An Italian word at the start of a piece indicating speed: Largo (very slow), Adagio (slow), Andante (walking pace), Moderato, Allegro (fast), Presto (very fast). Often paired with a BPM number.
Beethoven was one of the first composers to use metronome markings — he wanted tempos to be precise rather than left to the performer's interpretation.
Understanding tempo marking is essential for reading and writing music accurately. Whether you are a beginner learning to read notation or an experienced composer, knowing how this musical element works improves your musicianship.
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Browse the full Music Terms Glossary for definitions of 30+ essential musical terms.