Allegro (tempo marking)
Allegro is an Italian tempo indication meaning ‘fast, lively’, commonly used in classical music to denote a brisk, upbeat speed.
Tempo, Dynamics & Italian Terms
Explore Tempo, Dynamics & Italian Terms with music dictionary guides to speed, volume, expression, and performance directions.
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Prestissimo – Very Fast Tempo Marking
Prestissimo is an Italian musical term indicating an extremely fast tempo, faster than presto. It is used across classical and contemporary repertoire to signal virtuosic speed, often exceeding 200 beats per minute.
Più Mosso
Più mosso is an Italian tempo indication meaning “more movement” or “faster,” used to signal a moderate increase in speed within a musical piece.
Moderato
Moderato is an Italian tempo marking indicating a moderate speed, typically ranging from about 108 to 120 beats per minute. It guides performers toward a balanced, neither too fast nor too slow, pace and appears in a wide variety of musical styles.
Pomposo (musical term)
Pomposo is an Italian musical expression marking that directs performers to play in a majestic, pompous manner, often used in classical and operatic works.
Lacrimoso (musical term)
Lacrimoso is an Italian expressive marking meaning “tearful” or “weeping,” used to convey a sorrowful, plaintive character in vocal and instrumental music.
Espressivo (musical term)
Espressivo is an Italian performance direction meaning “expressively.” It instructs musicians to play a passage with heightened feeling, nuance, and personal interpretation, without specifying exact dynamics or tempo.
Animato (musical term)
Animato is an Italian musical term meaning “animated” or “lively,” used as an expressive direction indicating a spirited, energetic performance.
Stringendo (tempo marking)
Stringendo is a tempo indication instructing musicians to gradually increase the speed of the music. It appears in scores across many styles, often alongside accelerando, and affects phrasing and expressive intensity.
Metronome Marking
A metronome marking indicates the exact speed of a piece of music, usually expressed in beats per minute (BPM). It guides performers in maintaining a consistent tempo throughout a composition.