Tenuto
Held for its full value; sustained with emphasis.
Category
articulation
Pronunciation
teh-NOO-toh
Origin
Italian
Length
95 words · 1 min read
About Tenuto
Tenuto, indicated by a horizontal line above or below the note, instructs the performer to hold the note for its complete written duration and perhaps slightly longer. It is the opposite of staccato and implies a slight lingering or leaning on each note.
More articulation terms
Col legno
View all articulationterms →With the wood; striking strings with the bow stick.
Con sordinoWith mute; using a mute on the instrument.
GlissandoA continuous slide between two notes.
AccentA stress or emphasis placed on a particular note or beat.
SostenutoSustained, holding notes for their full value with a smooth connected quality
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →