Why the ranges overlap
These words were in use for more than a century before Maelzel's metronome appeared in 1815, and they describe character as much as speed. Allegro means cheerful as well as fast; andante means walking. A composer writing "Allegro" for a heavy symphony and another writing it for a light dance didn't expect the same number. That's why one chart says Andante is 76–108 and another stops at 100. The numbers above follow the ranges printed on most modern metronomes.
Words that change the tempo
- Accelerando (accel.): gradually faster.
- Ritardando (rit.) and rallentando (rall.): gradually slower.
- Ritenuto: slower straight away, not gradually.
- A tempo: back to the original speed.
- Rubato: flexible; push and pull the time for expression.
- Meno mosso / più mosso: less movement / more movement.
Words that adjust a marking
Molto means very (molto allegro is faster than allegro). Poco means a little. Non troppo means not too much (allegro non troppo: fast, but hold back). Assai means very, too. Con brio means with spirit, and con moto with movement.
Questions
What BPM is allegro?
Allegro is usually played between 120 and 156 BPM. Around 132 to 144 is typical for a classical first movement.
What BPM is allegro moderato?
About 116 to 120 BPM: quick, but not hurried. It sits just above moderato.
What BPM is allegro vivace?
Roughly 160 to 176 BPM. It's faster and livelier than a plain allegro.
What BPM is andante?
Andante means at a walking pace, which most charts put at 76 to 108 BPM. Many performers settle around 80 to 92.
What BPM is adagio?
Adagio is slow, usually 66 to 76 BPM.
How do I find the tempo of a recording?
Tap along on the tap tempo page, or drop the audio file into the BPM detector.