Terms for Tempi

Question 1

Larghissimo

Answer 1

Very, very slow
M.M ≈ 40 bpm or less

Question 2

Lentissimo

Answer 2

Very Slow
M.M. ≈ 48 bpm or slower

Question 3

Lento

Answer 3

Slowly
M.M. ≈ 40 - 60 bpm

Question 4

Largo

Answer 4

A slow and solemn tempo
M.M. ≈ 40 - 60 bpm

Question 5

Larghetto

Answer 5

Rather broadly
M.M. ≈ 60 - 66 bpm

Question 6

Adagio

Answer 6

Slow and stately
M.M. ≈ 66 - 76 bpm

Question 7

Andante

Answer 7

At a walking pace, moderately slow
M.M. ≈ 72 - 76 bpm

Question 8

Moderato

Answer 8

Moderately
M.M. ≈ 100 - 116 bpm

Question 9

Allegretto

Answer 9

Moderately fast, but less than allegro
M.M. ≈ 100 - 128 bpm

Question 10

Andantino

Answer 10

Slightly faster and more light-hearted than Andante
20 - 40 bpm73 - 83 bpm

Question 11

Grave

Answer 11

Slow and solemn
M.M. ≈ 20 - 40 bpm

Question 12

Tranquillo

Answer 12

Tranquil, calmly, or peaceful
M.M. ≈ 80 bpm

Question 13

Allegro con brio

Answer 13

Perform at a fast tempo with spirit!

Question 14

Allegro

Answer 14

Fast, quickly and bright
M.M. ≈ 120 - 156 bpm

Question 15

Vivace

Answer 15

Briskly, Lively and fast
M.M. ≈ 156 - 176 bpm

Question 16

Presto

Answer 16

Very, very fast
M.M. ≈ 168 - 200 bpm

Question 17

Prestissimo

Answer 17

Faster than Presto
M.M. ≈ 200+ bpm

Question 18

Accelerando

Answer 18

gradual speeding up

Question 19

Allargando

Answer 19

Growing broader, louder and slower

Question 20

Meno mosso

Answer 20

less motion or with a slower tempo

Question 21

più mosso

Answer 21

more motion; faster

Question 22

Rallentando

Answer 22

a gradual slowing down

Question 23

Ritardando

Answer 23

gradual slowing down

Question 24

Rubato

Answer 24

free adjustment of (slowing) the tempo for an expressive purpose

Question 25

Tempo Primo

Answer 25

resume the original tempo

Question 26

Stringendo

Answer 26

pressing on faster, literally “tightening”

Question 27

A témpo

Answer 27

In tempo; reestablishes original speed after accelerando or ritardando