"Broad"
Largo
40–60BPM
Extremely slow and broad. Every note has space, weight, and gravity.
50BPM
4060
Range: 40–60 BPMCanonical: 50 BPM
About Largo
Largo is the slowest of the standard tempo markings. The word means 'broad' or 'wide' — and that breadth is physical: each beat is so long that performers must make conscious decisions about shaping individual notes. Largo is used for funeral marches, deeply solemn movements, and moments of maximum emotional gravity. At this tempo, rests are as expressive as notes.
Character
- Solemn and weighty
- Maximum expressive space per note
- Often used for grief or majesty
- Rests feel like suspension
Famous examples
Dvořák New World Symphony, 2nd mvt
Dvořák
Largo
52 BPM
Handel's Largo (Ombra mai fu)
Handel
Larghetto
48 BPM
Barber Adagio for Strings
Barber
Molto adagio
46 BPM
Bach Air on the G String
Bach
Largo
54 BPM
Distinguishing from adjacent tempos
Largo and adagio both feel slow, but largo is noticeably broader — adagio has a gentle forward motion; largo seems almost suspended.
All tempo markings — slowest to fastest