What does "allargando" suggest about the tempo?

The term "allargando" suggests a gradual slowing down of the tempo, typically accompanied by a feeling of increased weight or expansion in the music. This directive often indicates that the performer should not only slow down but also impart a sense of grandeur or gravitas to the passage being played. As the tempo decreases, the phrasing tends to become more pronounced, allowing for a more expressive and reflective interpretation of the music. The emphasis on weight helps convey the emotional depth intended by the composer, making the music more impactful.

In contrast, maintaining a constant tempo would negate the expressive quality that "allargando" aims to invoke, while an agitated performance would suggest a different emotional state that does not align with the dignified slowing down implied by "allargando." Hastening the tempo significantly is also contrary to the essence of this term, as it entails a quickening rather than a broadening of the musical expression.