Common Tempo Markings and Musical Terms

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining primary tempo markings, modifying tempo terms, and combined musical tempo expressions.

Grave

very slow and solemn

Largo

broad and dignified

Larghetto

a little less slow than largo

Largamente

in a broad, slow manner

Adagio

slow and relaxed

Andante

in a walking pace

Andantino

slightly faster than andante

Moderato

at a moderate pace

Con moto

with movement

Allegretto

a little lively

Allegro

happy and quick

Vivace

quickly and with life

Presto

very fast

Prestissimo

very, very fast

Poco

a little

Poco a poco

little by little

Accelerando

gradually getting faster

Ritardando or Rallentando

gradually getting slower

Molto

much

Piu

more

Meno

less

Assai

very

A tempo

back to the original tempo

Non troppo

not too much

Allegro assai

very happy and quick

Largo non troppo

not too slow

Molto adagio

very relaxed (more on the slow side)