Explore Tempo Markings with music dictionary guides to largo, adagio, andante, allegro, presto, BPM, and musical speed.
Allegro and allegretto are both Italian tempo markings indicating a fast pace, but allegretto is slightly slower and lighter in character. While allegro typically ranges from 120 to 168 beats per minute, allegretto hovers around 112 to 120 BPM, yet the distinction is as much about mood as it is about speed. Understanding this nuance is essential for accurate interpretation and performance.
Larghetto is an Italian tempo indication meaning “somewhat slow and broad,” positioned between largo and adagio. It guides performers on the character and speed of a passage.
Grave is a tempo marking indicating a very slow and solemn pace, typically ranging from 25 to 45 beats per minute. It is used primarily in classical and early‑romantic repertoire to convey profound seriousness or gravitas.
Adagio is a musical tempo marking indicating a slow, leisurely pace. Originating from Italian, it guides performers to play with breadth and expressive calmness.
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Vivace is an Italian tempo marking indicating a lively, fast-paced speed. It appears in a wide range of Western music, from Baroque suites to modern pop arrangements. Performers interpret vivace as a brisk, energetic feel, often faster than allegro but slower than presto.
Presto is an Italian tempo indication meaning ‘very fast’, typically ranging from 168 to 200 beats per minute, and is used across many musical styles to convey rapid motion.
Largo is an Italian tempo indication meaning “broadly” or “slowly”. It designates a very slow, stately pace, typically ranging from 40 to 60 beats per minute. The term appears in a wide variety of musical repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary works.
Allegro is an Italian tempo indication meaning ‘fast, lively’, commonly used in classical music to denote a brisk, upbeat speed.
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.