Conducting Vocab Block 1: Tempo

a tempo

return to previous/main tempo: re-establish earlier tempo clearly

accelerando

gradually faster: slow increasing forward motion, do not jump

adagietto

slow, but not as slow as adagio: confirm the metronome mark/ context

adagio

slowly, at ease: broad, sustained pulse

adagissimo

extremely slow (issimo, a lot): plan subdivisions and long-range direction

affrettando

hurrying, pressing forward: increase urgency, often with a slight accel.

agogic accent

accent made by slight lengthening or strength: shape time subtly rather than striking hard

allargando

broadening, usually slower and fuller

allegretto

moderately fast, lighter than allegro: keep buoyancy without rushing

allegro

fast, lively, cheerful: conduct energy and character, not speed alone

andante

at a walking pace, moderately slow: maintain flowing, natural pulse

andantino

slightly faster than andante: use context/met mark, historical usage can differ

animato

animated, lively: increase energy and motion

bewegt

animated, with motion: give the line active forward movement

calando

slowing and becoming softer: coordinate tempo and dynamic taper

comodo

comfortable, unhurried: choose an easy, natural tempo

con moto

with motion: keep tempo and phrase moving

doppio movimento/ doppio più mosso

twice as fast/double time feel: clarify whether the beat unit or surface motion doubles

incalzando

pressing forward, often faster and louder: build urgency progressively

langsam

slow: use sustained, clearly placed beats

larghetto

rather broadly, a little faster than largo: keep breadth with modest flow

largo

very slow and broad: shape long phrases and subdivide as needed

lebhaft

lively, brisk: use energized pulse

lent

slow: sustain the line and avoid stagnation

lento

slow: use breadth and clear interval subdivision

l'istesso tempo

the same tempo: keep the beat rate despite a meter/note value change

moderato

at a moderate tempo: balance motion and breadth

mosso

moved, animated- usually with piu/meno: read with modifier. piu mosso = faster, meno mosso = slower

munter

lively, cheerful: use light, active motion

mäßig / mässig

moderate: interpret with accompanying qualifier

nicht (zu) schnell

not (too) fast: restrain the tempo while preserving energy

precipitato

rushing, impetuous: create controlled urgency, protect clarity

prestissimo

as fast as possible, extremely fast: choose a playable pulse and show large structure

presto

very fast: conduct economically and anticipate entrances

rallentando (rall.)

gradually slowing: broaden progressively over indicated span

rapido

rapid, fast: use compact, efficient gestures

rasch

fast, brisk: establish a quick, energetic pulse

ritardando (rit.)

gradually slowing: show measured deceleration

ritenuto (riten.)

held back; immediately or noticeably slower: make a clear change, usually more sudden than rit.

ritmico

rhythmically, with clear rhythm: show precise pulse and articulation

rubato

flexible, expressive treatment of tempo: coordinate give-and-take while preserving ensemble unity

schnell

fast: use clear, economical beats

schneller

faster: establish new relationship immediately

stretto

tightening, pressing faster: build momentum, often near climax

stringendo

pressing forward, gradually faster: compress the pulse progressively

takt

beat or measure, regular metric time: clarify meter and beat organization

tempo

speed or rate of the beat: identify beat unit, subdivision, and character

tempo primo

first/original tempo: return to original tempo

vivace

lively, fast: prioritize buoyant character

vivacissimo

extremely lively and fast: use brilliant, compact motion

vivo

lively, brisk, spirited: maintain animated character

wolno

slowly: use broad, sustained motion

zeitmaß / zeitmass

tempo, measure of time: establish the indicated rate

ziehen

to draw out, broaden/drag: lengthen according to context without losing ensemble

zählzeit

beat, counting unit: determine which note value receives the beat

zörgernd

hesitating, lingering: create deliberate reluctance or holding back