Tempo Markings

Explore Italian tempo markings used in classical and contemporary music. Each marking includes its BPM range, literal meaning, etymology, example pieces, and practice advice. Use the filter below to find a specific marking, or browse by speed category. See also the BPM reference for specific beats-per-minute values, and the time signature reference for meter and beat groupings.

Very Slow

Larghissimo Extremely slow · 1–24 BPM Grave Very slow, solemn · 25–45 BPM Largo Very slow, broadly · 40–60 BPM

Slow

Larghetto Rather slow, slightly faster than largo · 60–66 BPM Adagio Slow, at ease · 66–76 BPM Adagietto Slightly faster than adagio · 72–76 BPM

Moderate

Marcia Moderato Moderate march tempo · 83–85 BPM Andante At a walking pace · 76–108 BPM Andantino Slightly faster than andante · 80–108 BPM Moderato At a moderate speed · 108–120 BPM Allegretto Moderately fast, slightly slower than allegro · 112–120 BPM Allegro Moderato Moderately quick, between allegretto and allegro · 116–120 BPM

Fast

Allegro Fast, lively, and bright · 120–156 BPM Vivace Lively and fast · 156–176 BPM

Very Fast

Vivacissimo Very fast and lively · 172–176 BPM Allegrissimo Very fast · 172–176 BPM Presto Very fast · 168–200 BPM Prestissimo Extremely fast · 200–300 BPM

Modifiers & Compound Terms

Adagio Cantabile Slow and singing · 66–76 BPM Tempo di Valse Waltz tempo · 80–100 BPM Andante con Moto Walking pace with motion and forward movement · 80–112 BPM Tempo Giusto Strict, exact tempo; in correct time · 80–120 BPM Poco Allegretto A little moderately fast · 108–116 BPM Tempo di Marcia March tempo · 112–126 BPM A Tempo Return to the previous tempo · 1–300 BPM Allegro ma non Troppo Fast, but not too much · 116–144 BPM Allegro con Brio Fast with spirit and vigor · 120–156 BPM Allegro con Fuoco Fast with fire and passion · 120–156 BPM Allegro Vivace Fast and lively · 140–176 BPM Molto Allegro Very fast · 144–176 BPM

Related References

Metronome Free Metronome BPM Reference Time Signatures Rhythm Patterns