Character Terminology

Italian

English

Dolce

Sweetly

Sotto voce

Subdued voice

Con brio

With vigor

Animato

Animated

Giocoso

Humorously

Espressivo

Expressively

Tranquillo

Gently

Cantabile

Singing

Dolente

Sad, mournful

Grave

Solemn

Con fuoco

With fire

Vivace

Lively

Pesante

Heavy

Maestoso

Majestic

Scherzando

Playful, jesting

Semplice

Simple, unaffected

Agitato

Agitated

Con bravura

With boldness

A capriccio

Whimsical

Con tenerezza

With tenderness