Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)

by Unknown

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MUSICAL SIGNS AND ABBREVIATIONS.

Signs denoting time or relative value of sound:

Each of these notes represents twice the duration of sound of that which comes next in order. The sign to the right of each note indicates a rest or silence equal to its sound duration.

In time, the figure above a line drawn thus across the stave denotes the length of the pause in bars.

Accel. Accelerando. Gradually increasing the speed.

Adg^o or Ad^o. Adagio. Slow; also name given to a slow movement or piece.

Ad lib. Ad libitum. Passages so marked may be rendered at the will of the performer.