Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you want to know what the word tempo means? Do you need to understand how tempos work? Understanding how tempos work in music is a critical skill, because picking the right speed can breathe life into your music. Keep reading to learn how to play musical tempos from adagio to allegro.
Today we’ll cover:
- Adagio
- Allegretto
- Allegro
- Andante
- Andantino
- Largo
- Moderato
- Prestissimo
- Presto
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How to Play Musical Tempos from Adagio to Allegro: Tempo Defined
What does it mean?
- In music, tempo is defined by how fast you’re playing.
- This is commonly indicated by tempo marks, which are usually Italian words that describe the speed of the music.
- The speed you play is important for setting the mood and feel of a piece of music.
Where do I find tempo marks?
- You’ll find them in the upper left corner on the first page of the score.
- However, pieces can change speed as a song progresses, so there can be tempo marks sprinkled throughout a piece.
- Do all pieces change tempo? No, usually you’ll find only the one tempo mark at the beginning of a piece.
How to Play Musical Tempos from Adagio to Allegro: Meet the Tempo Marks
Adagio
- Adagio is a slow, dignified speed – falling between 65-75 bpm.
- Metronome speeds are measured in bpm (beats per minute).
- Also, tempo marks existed before the metronome was invented, which is why there are a range of bpm that will fit adagio.
Andante
- The word andante comes from Italian and literally means walking speed.
- Andante is faster than adagio but slower than moderato – about 75 to 105 bpm.
- It’s associated with calm, flowing music.
Andantino
- The strange thing about andantino is that it can be slightly faster or slower than andante – about 65-75 or 100-110 bpm.
- In contemporary music, you’ll play andantino faster than andante.
- However, in historical music (i.e., classical music), it would be played slower.
Moderato
- Moderato translates as moderate, so you’ll take the music at medium speed – 105-120 bpm.
- However, moderato isn’t a leisurely pace.
- Instead, it moves along quickly.
Allegretto
- The word allegretto sounds like it should be a salad dressing.
- However, it indicates a speed slower than allegro – approximately 115-120 bpm.
- Allegretto is good for bold, animated music.
Allegro
- The word allegro means happily, but we interpret it to mean fast – usually 120-170 bpm.
- It works for spirited, upbeat pieces.
How to Play Musical Tempos from Adagio to Allegro: Largo, Presto, and Prestissimo
Here are some other common tempo marks.
- Largo = very slow (40-60 bpm)
- Presto = very fast (170-200 bpm)
- Prestissimo = extremely fast (208+ bpm)
Largo, presto, and prestissimo are not nearly as common as the tempo marks in the previous section.
- However, you do run into them, which is why I’ve included them here. Be aware that all the beats per minutes ranges in this post are just suggestions.
- Although they’re similar to what you’ll find on most metronomes, bpm ranges aren’t standardized, so don’t feel like you must follow them strictly.
- Instead, listen as you play or sing to find out what works best for the piece.
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- In music, tempo is defined by how fast you’re playing.
- This is commonly indicated by tempo marks, which are usually Italian words that describe the speed of the music.
- The speed you play is important for setting the mood and feel of a piece of music.
Have fun playing!
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