Adagietto — Slightly faster than adagio (72–76 BPM)
Adagietto is a graceful tempo slightly faster than adagio, with a lighter, more flowing character. It is most famously associated with the fourth movement of Mahler's Fifth Symphony, whose achingly beautiful string and harp adagietto was used in Luchino Visconti's film Death in Venice.
Etymology
Italian, diminutive of 'adagio', literally 'a little at ease'
BPM Range
Minimum: 72 BPM
Maximum: 76 BPM
Typical: 74 BPM
Adagietto should feel gently flowing, not as heavy as a full adagio. Focus on lyrical phrasing and let the music breathe naturally without becoming static.
Example Pieces
- Symphony No. 5, 4th movement (Adagietto) — Gustav Mahler
- L'Arlésienne Suite No. 1, Adagietto — Georges Bizet
Common Genres
Related Tempo Markings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is adagietto faster or slower than adagio?
Adagietto is slightly faster than adagio. The '-etto' diminutive suffix makes it 'a little adagio' — not quite as slow, with a lighter, more graceful character.
What is the most famous adagietto?
The Adagietto from Mahler's Symphony No. 5 is by far the most famous. It gained wider recognition through its use in the 1971 film Death in Venice.
Related References
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