Dynamics, Pacing, or Movement (Part Two)
There are countless markings that exist to ensure music is performed to perfection. In this article, we'll round out our look at all the tempo indications you might come across in different works.
Tempo Markings
In musical terminology these are also referred to as pacing, movement, or tempo, and they are defined as the speed at which a piece should be played.
The tempo indications in question are also Italian words, placed at the beginning of the piece or at the point where the speed is meant to change. Among the most commonly used markings are the following:
- Largo: the slowest tempo indication in classical music, calling for a solemn, broad delivery.
- Larghissimo: very, very slow (fewer than 20 beats per minute)
- Lento: slow (40 to 60 bpm)
- Grave: slow and solemn (40 bpm)
- Larghetto: somewhat slow (60 to 66 bpm)
- Adagio: slow and stately (66 to 76 bpm)
- Adagietto: a little less slow than adagio (70 to 80 bpm)
- Tranquillo: calm
- Andante: at a walking pace, calm, slightly lively (76 to 108 bpm)
- Andante moderato: a little quicker than andante
- Andantino: livelier than andante moderato
- Moderato: moderate (80 to 180 bpm)
- Allegretto: moderately lively
- Allegro: lively and fast (110 to 168 bpm)
- Vivace: vivacious
- Vivo: fast and lively
- Allegrissimo: faster than allegro
- Presto: very fast (168 to 200 bpm)
- Vivacissimo: faster than vivace
- Prestissimo: very, very fast
As if that weren't enough, there are other terms that modify the tempos listed above, such as:
- Assai: very
- Piu: more
- Molto Piu: much more
- Non tanto: not so much
- Non troppo: not too much
- Quasi: almost
- Molto: much
- Poco: a little
So, by combining the tempo indications above with these last terms, you get a different intent, for example:
- Poco Adagio: slightly slow
- Allegro ma non troppo: fast, but not too much
- Allegro Assai: very allegro
- And many more combinations
How can we know exactly how fast a piece should go?
No doubt, after reading the tempos above, you've been wondering how to figure out just how fast or slow each piece should be; but to do that, you'll need a metronome.
It is defined as a device used to mark the beats of different measures. This tool is ideal for studying music, since it marks out the beats (bpm) of the various measures you need to practice. In doing so, it forces you to play every note and rhythm on its corresponding beat.
With this in mind, you'll find it best to start practicing slowly and then gradually increase the speed with the metronome. I know it can be annoying at first, but it's a habit you need to build in order to become a better musician.
Character
This is the feeling with which the performer should play or sing a piece. These markings are placed at the beginning of the work along with the tempo dynamics, or at any particular measure that calls for them. Some of these indications are the following:
- Animato: animated
- Leggiero: light
- Capriccioso: capricious
- Dolce: sweet
- Con anima: with soul
- Con dolore: with sorrow
- Sostenuto: sustained
- Con moto: with motion
- Con Grazia: with grace
It's important to understand that music isn't just about knowing how to read the notes the composer wrote; each one was written with a specific intention that we, as performers, must honor so that everything sounds the way the composer intended. That is how perfection is achieved from a musical standpoint.
