Certificate Of Merit (CM) Piano Theory Level 9 Practice Test

Which term means gradually slower?

Rallentando Ritenuto Sforzando Simile

Correct Answer:

Rallentando

Explanation:

Tempo change markings guide how the music feels in time. This item asks which term shows a gradual slowing of tempo. Rallentando communicates a deliberate, ongoing deceleration—tempo slows down gradually over a passage, producing a broad, expressive relax in speed. That careful, expanding slow-down is exactly what “gradually slower” describes. The other terms point to different ideas: sforzando is a sudden, strong accent; simile means "continue in the same way" (often in articulation or tempo); ritardando or ritenuto involve slowing, but ritardando is more about slowing down toward a new tempo and rittenuto is holding back or delaying rather than easing into a slower pace.

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