Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'adagio'

English Word: adagio

Key Russian Translations:

• адажио [aˈdaʒʲɪo] - [Used in music contexts, typically formal and technical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in music education, performances, and classical music discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level; Requires familiarity with musical terminology; Learners with a music background may find it easier)

Pronunciation (Russian):

адажио: [aˈdaʒʲɪo]

Note on адажио: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'ж' sound is a soft palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure', which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Music term for a slow tempo

Translation(s) & Context:

• адажио - Used in musical scores to indicate a slow, leisurely pace, often in classical or orchestral settings. This is the primary translation and is context-specific to music.

Usage Examples:

• В этой симфонии адажио создаёт атмосферу спокойствия и размышлений.

  In this symphony, the adagio creates an atmosphere of calmness and reflection.

• Пианист мастерски исполнил адажио, подчеркнув эмоциональную глубину произведения.

  The pianist masterfully performed the adagio, emphasizing the emotional depth of the piece.

• Во время адажио оркестр использует более мягкие инструменты для достижения нежного звучания.

  During the adagio, the orchestra uses softer instruments to achieve a gentle sound.

• Адажио в этой сонате контрастирует с быстрыми аллегро, добавляя баланс композиции.

  The adagio in this sonata contrasts with the fast allegro sections, adding balance to the composition.

• Композитор указал адажио в начале, чтобы установить медленный, introspective тон.

  The composer indicated adagio at the beginning to set a slow, introspective tone.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Адажио" is a borrowed word from Italian, functioning as a neuter noun in Russian. It is largely invariable and does not undergo typical Russian inflections due to its foreign origin. However, it can be used in various grammatical contexts without changing form.

Note: As an uninflected word, it simplifies usage but may require prepositions for context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ланго (largo) - Similar slow tempo, but often slower and more broad.
  • анданте (andante) - A walking pace, slightly faster than adagio but still moderate.
• Antonyms:
  • аллегро (allegro) - Fast and lively tempo.
  • престо (presto) - Very fast tempo.

Related Phrases:

• Играть адажио - To play in adagio style; Used in performance instructions to indicate slow execution.
• Адажио маэстро - Maestro's adagio; Refers to a specific section in a composition, often with emotional emphasis.
• Адажио в сонате - Adagio in a sonata; Common in classical music discussions to describe movement types.

Usage Notes:

"Адажио" directly corresponds to the English "adagio" as a musical term, emphasizing a slow and expressive tempo. It is primarily used in formal contexts like music scores, concerts, or education, and is not common in casual speech. When choosing this term, ensure the context is musical; for general slowness, native Russian words like "медленно" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it remains unchanged across cases, making it straightforward for learners, but always pair it with verbs like "исполнить" (to perform) for natural usage.

• Tip: In Russian music theory, "адажио" often implies not just speed but emotional depth, so use it to convey introspection in descriptions.
• If multiple translations exist, "адажио" is the most precise for Italian-derived terms, avoiding confusion with synonyms.

Common Errors:

English learners often mispronounce "адажио" by stressing the wrong syllable or softening the 'ж' sound too much, saying something like [aˈDAʒio] instead of [aˈdaʒʲɪo]. Correct usage: Always use the proper IPA [aˈdaʒʲɪo] and avoid adding Russian inflections, as it's indeclinable. For example:

• Error: "Адажиоs" (trying to pluralize it incorrectly).
• Correct: "Адажио в пьесе" (Adagio in the piece) – Explanation: Russian doesn't pluralize foreign nouns like this; keep it singular.
• Another error: Using it outside music, e.g., for general slowness, which might confuse native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Адажио" reflects the influence of Western classical music on Russian culture, particularly through composers like Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, who incorporated Italian tempo markings. In Russian musical tradition, adagio sections often symbolize emotional depth or melancholy, as seen in works like Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, evoking themes of introspection and national sentiment.

Related Concepts:

• аллегро
• анданте
• соната
• симфония