andante
UK[ænˈdænteɪ]US[ɑːnˈdɑːnteɪ]
adv
at a moderately slow tempo
adj
(of a musical passage) performed at a moderately slow tempo
n
a musical composition or movement played at a moderately slow tempo
Etymology
the word 'andante' entered english directly from the italian musical term in the early 18th century. it is the present participle of the italian verb 'andare', meaning 'to go'. the literal sense is therefore 'going', which in a musical context was interpreted as 'moving along', implying a steady, walking pace. this italian verb itself derives from the vulgar latin 'ambitare', a frequentative form of the latin 'ambire' (to go around), which traces back to the proto-indo-European root h₂embʰi- (around). the term's journey from a general verb for movement to a precise instruction for moderate, flowing tempo exemplifies the specialized adoption of italian vocabulary into the international language of music.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from italian and is not productively segmented using english morphemes. it functions as a whole unit in english musical terminology.
Examples
the second movement, marked andante, provided a calm contrast to the vigorous opening.
the cellist played the haunting melody andante, with great expression.
the andante from the sonata is one of the composer's most beloved pieces.