What does 'retenu' instruct a musician to do?

The term 'retenu' instructs a musician to hold back the tempo. This directive indicates a temporary slowing or a deliberate pause in the pace of the music, allowing for expressive playing and creating a sense of tension or gravity in the performance. 'Retenu' is often used in compositions to encourage musicians to interpret the music with a more relaxed or introspective feeling, contrasting with a swift or steady tempo.

Understanding this term is essential for musicians, as it directly influences the emotional delivery of the piece and the way the music is perceived by the audience. It emphasizes the importance of tempo variations and the role they play in musical interpretation and expression.