What does adagio sostenuto ed espressivo mean?

Answer 1

I'm assuming this was at the beginning of a piece (?)

I'm not sure what 'ed' means but if i were to assume that it means 'and' i would say it all means "slow, sustained, and expressive". i would generally put something like this on a piece for strings or horns or something. in piano,strings ect... you'll often see "espress." notated below or in the middle of the grand staff (unless you're specifying only the treble or bass). that kind of means to just play the instrument with more feeling, subtle excitement, character and expressiveness. some may hate me for saying this, but i usually look at it as a "rubato" for volume, if that makes any sense...but the emotion still has to be there or it doesn't work. :)

Answer 2

slow sustained and espressive

Answer 3

Slow sustained and espressive