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
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the links. I’ll only recommend products I use, use in lessons, or ones my students or colleagues have recommended.
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!
What Precisely Is the Purpose of Solfege?
“What precisely is the purpose of solfege?” Solfege has an important role in music education, allowing vocalists to develop sight singing skills. A solfege syllable acts as a mnemonic device to help you sight read sheet music. Read more to learn why they invented solfege and how the syllables work. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
Harmony and Melody Tune Differently
Have you ever felt embarrassed because someone said you sang or played out of tune? Does harmonizing seem like a puzzle you can’t solve? Knowledge is power. I will show you how harmony and melody tune differently, and how it impacts singing and playing in tune. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
What Does Decibel Mean? (In Less than 3 Minutes)
Do you need to know what the word decibel (dB) means? Do you want a decibel chart so that you can know what noise levels are safe? Decibels are used in sound recording, radio, and live concert reinforcement. Keep reading “What Does Decibel Mean? (In Less than 3 Minutes)” to learn what it is and how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
Joy to the World – A Heavenly Song of Celebration
Do you want to know the words to Joy to the World? Would you like to learn how to sing or play it? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) all the words to the song, 2) two videos (one for the song itself and one for easy piano), and 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along song track. Keep reading Joy to the World - A Heavenly Song of Celebration to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More