Which term is described as Sustained?

Which term is described as Sustained?

• A. Slur
• B. Tenuto
• C. Sostenuto
• D. Subito

Answer: (C)

Sostenuto is the term that means sustained. It comes from Italian and literally conveys the idea of lasting or continuing sound. In performance, it signals holding certain notes longer than their written value, often by using the sostenuto pedal to keep those notes resonating while others continue. This is different from tenuto, which asks for notes to be held for their full value (or given a slight emphasis) without implying selective long sustain. A slur marks smooth, connected phrasing across notes, not necessarily extra sustain. Subito means suddenly, as in dynamics or tempo, and isn’t about sustaining notes.

Sostenuto is the term that means sustained. It comes from Italian and literally conveys the idea of lasting or continuing sound. In performance, it signals holding certain notes longer than their written value, often by using the sostenuto pedal to keep those notes resonating while others continue. This is different from tenuto, which asks for notes to be held for their full value (or given a slight emphasis) without implying selective long sustain. A slur marks smooth, connected phrasing across notes, not necessarily extra sustain. Subito means suddenly, as in dynamics or tempo, and isn’t about sustaining notes.