1. in a sustained manner; with each note held for its full value
Usage: music

1. sustained; held for the full time value
Usage: music

1. a passage or section of music to be performed in a sustained manner
Usage: music

Examples

• The pianist played the melody sostenuto, holding each note for its complete duration.
• The composer marked the passage sostenuto to emphasize the lyrical quality.
• She practiced the sostenuto section until it flowed smoothly.
• The orchestra performed the sostenuto movement with beautiful expression.
• The teacher instructed the students to play sostenuto rather than choppy.
• The sostenuto pedal on the piano helps sustain certain notes while others are played normally.