Terms for Conductors

rubato

Literally “stolen time.” Robbing, or taking from the notes their time value by rushing and slowing for the purpose of expression

Alla breve

a tempo marking indicating quick time with the half note rather than the quarter note as the beat

rallentando

Gradually slackening in speed or with gradually reduced speed

Sotto voce

Literally “under the breath.” In performance, a quiet or covered tone

Agitato

Restless, excited, hurried

Segue

Proceed to the next movement without any break or pause

Sostenuto

Sustained, prolonged. Sustaining the tone

As libitum

An indication giving liberty to the performer to vary from the strict temp of notes. Literally “at pleasure or will.”

Maestoso

Majestic, dignified. In a style characterized by lofty breath

Semplice

In a simple, unaffected manner.

Allargando

Slowing down, usually accompanied by a crescendo; used chiefly toward the end of a piece

Gioioso

Joyous, joyfully

Allegro

Literally “cheerful.” Quick tempo; brisk; rapid

Con espressione

With expression and sensitivity

Leggiero

Lightly; gracefully with a touch of non-legato

fermata

a pause; prolonged note value

crescendo

increasing the volume of loudness of a tone gradually

dolce

sweetly and soft

Attaca

Begin the next movement without any break break or pause

Divisi

Divided part- when 2 parts are written on one stave

Allegretto

quick

Presto

very fast

Appassionato

with passion, deep feeling

grandioso

with grandeur

adagio

literally “at ease,” a slow tempo

meno

literally “less”

legato

in a smooth, connected manner without any perceptible interruption between the notes

diminuendo

Becoming gradually quieter. Interchangeable with decrescendo.

subito

“suddenly,” unexpectedly, immediately.

tacet

Be silent. Do not play. Used for instruments that are not needed in a movement or a long section.

tutti

All together, the entire ensemble.

sempre

always, continually, throughout

piu

literally “more”

obligato

A counter melody that compliments the main theme- an accompanying part of secondary importance to the melody

mosso

Movement (in relationship to speed or tempo)

pianissimo

very softly

a tempo

indicates a return to the normal tempo after deviations within a section of the piece

cantabile

in a singing style, lyrical

marcato

marked, emphasized; separating and emphasizing each note

andante

Literally at a “walking” tempo. A quarter note with approximately 76 beats per minute. Moderately slow but flowing.

troppo

“too much”

vivace

lively, brisk, animated

assai

literally “very”

sforzando

with a sudden and strong accent on a single note or chord

molto

“much” or very intensely

coda

A closing passage added to the form of a composition at the conclusion. A reinforcement adding finality.

D.C. al fine

from the beginning to the place marked “fine”

forte piano

Accented strongly, diminishing immediate to the piano. Loud, then suddenly softly.

Dal segno

repeat beginning at sign

largo

broad

lento

slow