Tempo Expressions Flashcards
Larghetto
A little but broad
Not as slow as largo
Largo
Broad
Slow and dignified
Lentando
Slowing
Becoming slower
Lento
Slow
Adagio
Ad agio, at ease
Slow, but not as slow as largo
Adagietto
Little adagio
Faster than adagio; or a short adagio composition
Andante
Easy walking pace
Moderately slow, flowing along
Moderato
Moderately
At a moderate speed
Allegretto
A little bit joyful
Slightly slower than allegro
Largamente
Broadly
Slow and dignified
Mosso
Moved
Agitated
Allegro
Joyful; lively and fast
Moderately fast
Sostenuto
Sustained
A slowing of tempo, often accompanied by legato playing
Fermata
Stopped
Marks a note to be held or sustained
Presto
Ready
Very fast
Prestissimo
Very ready
Very very fast, as fast as possible
Accelerando
Accelerating
Affrettando
Becoming hurried
Accelerating
Allargando
Slowing and broadening
Slowing down and broadening, becoming more stately and majestic, possibly louder
Ritardando
Slowing
Decelerating
Rallentando
Becoming progressively slower
Decelerating
Rubato
Robbed
Free flowing and exempt from steady rhythm
Tenuto
Sustained
Holding or sustaining a single note
Accompagnato
Accompanied
The accompaniment must follow the singer who can speed up or slow down at will
Alla marcia
As a march
In strict tempo at a marching pace
A tempo
To time
Return to previous tempo
L’istesso tempo
Same speed
At the same speed
