Definition: Adagio is a type of Italian opera music that uses slow, expressive passages of singing to evoke an emotional or dramatic mood. The term "adagio" was introduced by Giuseppe Verdi in 1894 as a way to express the slow, dreamlike quality and mysterious depth of his operas. The phrase itself means "slow and gentle" and is often used to describe the lyrical nature of the music or the emotional resonance it creates. The word "adagio" has various meanings depending on its context and intended audience. In some contexts, it may be used as a term for slow and deliberate speaking, expressing an emotion or thought more deeply than a shorter sentence would suggest. In Italian opera, adagio is often associated with the sense of calmness and peace that it can evoke. It may also be used to create a mood of introspection or contemplation, reflecting the melancholy or introspective emotions that can accompany this type of music. Overall, "adagio" is a versatile term that has been widely applied in different forms of music over time.

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