What does ritard mean in music notation?

In music notation, "ritard" is an abbreviation for the Italian word "ritardando", which means "becoming slower". It is a gradual slowing down of the tempo over a specified duration. "Ritard" is typically written above or below the staff and is often accompanied by a gradual increase in the note values or a gradual decrescendo (getting softer).

When a ritard is indicated in a musical piece, the performers should gradually reduce the speed of the music until the next tempo indication or the end of the phrase or section. This slowdown should be smooth and controlled, allowing the music to come to a natural conclusion.

Ritard is often used to create a sense of drama or suspense, to bring a piece to a close, or to transition between different sections of music. It is a versatile musical expression that can add depth and emotional impact to a performance.