Terms for Tempi Flashcards
Larghissimo
Very, very slow
M.M ≈ 40 bpm or less
Lentissimo
Very Slow
M.M. ≈ 48 bpm or slower
Lento
Slowly
M.M. ≈ 40 - 60 bpm
Largo
A slow and solemn tempo
M.M. ≈ 40 - 60 bpm
Larghetto
Rather broadly
M.M. ≈ 60 - 66 bpm
Adagio
Slow and stately
M.M. ≈ 66 - 76 bpm
Andante
At a walking pace, moderately slow
M.M. ≈ 72 - 76 bpm
Moderato
Moderately
M.M. ≈ 100 - 116 bpm
Allegretto
Moderately fast, but less than allegro
M.M. ≈ 100 - 128 bpm
Andantino
Slightly faster and more light-hearted than Andante
20 - 40 bpm73 - 83 bpm
Grave
Slow and solemn
M.M. ≈ 20 - 40 bpm
Tranquillo
Tranquil, calmly, or peaceful
M.M. ≈ 80 bpm
Allegro con brio
Perform at a fast tempo with spirit!
Allegro
Fast, quickly and bright
M.M. ≈ 120 - 156 bpm
Vivace
Briskly, Lively and fast
M.M. ≈ 156 - 176 bpm
Presto
Very, very fast
M.M. ≈ 168 - 200 bpm
Prestissimo
Faster than Presto
M.M. ≈ 200+ bpm
Accelerando
gradual speeding up
Allargando
Growing broader, louder and slower
Meno mosso
less motion or with a slower tempo
più mosso
more motion; faster
Rallentando
a gradual slowing down
Ritardando
gradual slowing down
Rubato
free adjustment of (slowing) the tempo for an expressive purpose
Tempo Primo
resume the original tempo
Stringendo
pressing on faster, literally “tightening”
A témpo
In tempo; reestablishes original speed after accelerando or ritardando