In piano music, “rit” is an abbreviation for “ritardando.” This term instructs the performer to gradually slow down the tempo of the piece. It is often indicated in the music score and can be used to create a sense of relaxation, anticipation, or to emphasize a particular moment in the music.
When you see “rit” in a score, it usually means that you should start to decrease the speed of the notes you are playing, allowing for a more expressive or dramatic effect. The extent of the slowdown can vary based on the context of the piece and the interpretation of the performer, so it often leaves some room for artistic expression.
In practice, a ritardando might be applied over a few measures, allowing the music to gradually come to a softer or more reflective pace before continuing or transitioning to another section.