Larghissimo: Meaning, Speed and Practice Tools
Larghissimo (Very broad, extremely slow) covers 20–24 BPM in the classical tempo tradition.Extremely slow and solemn.
How fast is Larghissimo in BPM?
Larghissimo is the slowest tempo marking in Western music, sitting between 20 and 24 beats per minute. At that rate each beat lasts about three seconds — a pace so deliberate that the silence between notes becomes part of the composition itself. You will rarely meet Larghissimo outside dramatic orchestral writing, where composers use it to create a sense of eternity or heavy emotional weight.
Larghissimo in classical music
- •Each beat lasts two to three seconds, leaving an enormous gap between notes
- •Common in late Romantic symphonies and in film scores used for dramatic effect
- •Demands extraordinary breath control in winds and sustained bowing in strings
- •Often marked with expressive directions such as con dolore (with pain)
- •Used sparingly — even a few bars of Larghissimo can feel endless
Famous pieces in Larghissimo
Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" (4th mvt. intro)
Antonín Dvořák (1893)
The slow introduction evokes a vast, primeval landscape.
Adagio for Strings
Samuel Barber (1936)
Begins at a glacial pace, building toward devastating emotional intensity.
Piano Concerto No. 27 (2nd mvt.)
W. A. Mozart (1791)
Luminous slow passages that seem to float at the edge of silence.
Try the Larghissimo metronome
Try Larghissimo here — set to 22 BPM, limited to 20–24 BPM for this marking.
How to practise at Larghissimo
Practising Larghissimo is more about tone than rhythm. Focus on producing a rich, sustained sound on every note. On piano, listen to the decay of each one. On strings, practise smooth bow changes with no audible break. For winds, this is the definitive breath-control exercise. Set the metronome here and aim for perfect legato.
Related markings
Questions
How slow is Larghissimo in BPM?
Larghissimo runs from 20 to 24 BPM — close to one beat every three seconds.
Where is Larghissimo used?
Mostly in orchestral music and film scores, for dramatic, solemn or time-dilating effects.
Is Larghissimo used in film scores?
Yes. Composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams use it for epic, emotionally heavy scenes.
How do I practise at Larghissimo?
Focus on sound production and breath control. Set the metronome to 22 BPM and practise holding notes with a rich, unbroken tone.
All markings
Browse every Italian tempo marking from Larghissimo to Ultra Presto: