Basic Conducting Vocab

Marcato

Marked, Accented

Meno

Less

Mezzo

Half

Piu

More. Most often seen with mosso (motion), meaning more motion.

Subito

Suddenly.

Tutti

The whole ensemble, everybody.

Con

With

Senza

Without

Sordino

Mute

Morendo

Dying away.

A due (a2)

To be played by both, as by first and second flute.

Largo

(40-60 bpm), Very slow and broad

Larghetto

(60-66 bpm), A tempo slightly faster than Largo

Adagio

(66-76 bpm), A slow tempo, slower than Andante but faster than Largo

Andante

(76-108 bpm), [literally “walking” in Italian], moderately slow

Allegretto

(108-120 bpm), Slightly less fast than Allegro. Often implying a lighter texture or character

Allegro

(120-168 bpm), Fast

Presto

(168-200 bpm), Very fast

Prestissimo

(200-208 bpm), As fast as possible

Accelerando

Gradually increasing the tempo

Ad libitum

At liberty; take time, permit liberties here.

Affretando

Excitedly, increasing the tempo.

A punto

Exactly in rhythm.

Rubato

Varying the note values within the rhythm, not strictly as written.

Stretto

Condensing, accelerating the tempo.

Stringendo

Accelerating the tempo.

Ritardando

Becoming gradually slower. (rit.)

Ritenuto

Held back. Becoming slower immediately. (ritten.)

L’istesso tempo

The same tempo.