What does the term 'ritardando' signify in music?

The term 'ritardando' signifies a gradual slowing down of the tempo in music. It serves as an expressive directive for performers to decrease the speed of the music, creating a sense of relaxation or transition within a piece. This technique can enhance the emotional impact of a musical passage, allowing for a more poignant or dramatic effect as the music unfolds, leading to a natural conclusion or preparing for a change in mood or theme.

The concept of ritardando is often implemented toward the end of phrases or sections to provide a sense of closure or to emphasize a particular moment in the music. Recognizing this term is crucial for musicians as it informs how they interpret and perform the piece, contributing to the overall expressiveness of the performance.