Tempo Changes

Accelerando is a musical expression indicating a gradual increase in tempo. It is commonly notated in Italian and appears across many genres to convey a sense of building momentum.

Ritardando is a musical term indicating a gradual slowing of tempo. Frequently notated as “rit.”, it is used across many styles to create expressive phrasing and structural emphasis.

Meno mosso is an Italian tempo directive meaning “a little slower.” It appears in scores to indicate a modest reduction in speed, often as a contrast to a preceding faster section.

Più mosso is an Italian tempo indication meaning “more movement” or “faster,” used to signal a moderate increase in speed within a musical piece.

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.

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.

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.

A tempo is an Italian musical directive meaning “return to the original tempo” after a temporary change such as a ritardando or accelerando.