What does "sehr langsam" mean in musical direction?

"Sehr langsam" is a German term used in music that directly translates to "very slow." This instruction is given to indicate a tempo that is much slower than usual, guiding the performer to play the piece with a calm and relaxed pace. Tempo markings are essential in music as they greatly influence the mood and feel of a piece; thus, understanding terms like "sehr langsam" helps musicians interpret the score more accurately and convey the intended expressiveness. Terms indicating speed—such as "fast" or "moderately"—reflect different tempos, but "sehr langsam" is specifically meant to slow the tempo down significantly, ensuring a more deliberate and emotive performance. The inclusion of "always" does not apply in this context as it does not refer to a tempo marking but rather seems out of place regarding musical directions.