Explore Tempo, Dynamics & Italian Terms with music dictionary guides to speed, volume, expression, and performance directions.
In music notation, a simile marking indicates that a passage should be performed with the same articulation, bowing, or dynamic approach as the preceding material. It streamlines scores by avoiding repetitive markings and is common in string and wind repertoire.
Rallentando, often abbreviated as “rit.”, is an Italian musical term indicating a gradual slowing of the tempo. It is used across many genres to create expressive phrasing and dramatic effect.
Leggiero is an Italian musical term meaning “lightly” or “with ease.” It directs performers to play a passage with a delicate, airy touch, often contrasted with heavier articulations like marcato or forte.
Niente is an Italian musical term meaning “nothing.” It directs performers to produce an extremely soft, near‑silent sound, often used at the beginning or end of a phrase to create a dramatic fade‑in or fade‑out.
Rubato is an expressive musical technique that allows performers to subtly vary the tempo for emotional effect. It involves flexible speeding up or slowing down of the beat without altering the overall pulse.
Andante is an Italian tempo indication meaning “walking pace,” commonly used in Western classical music to denote a moderate, steady speed. It lies between slower tempos such as Adagio and faster ones like Allegro, and is often specified with metronome markings ranging from 76 to 108 beats per minute.
A tempo is an Italian musical directive meaning “return to the original tempo” after a temporary change such as a ritardando or accelerando.
Allegretto is a musical tempo indication meaning a moderately fast, light, and graceful speed, positioned between Andante and Allegro.
Con moto is an Italian musical expression meaning “with motion,” used to indicate that a passage should be played with a sense of forward momentum without a precise metronic speed.
Scherzando is an Italian musical directive meaning “playfully” or “jokingly.” It guides performers to adopt a light, brisk, and whimsical character, often influencing tempo, articulation, and dynamics.