tempo marking
Speed notation symbol
A tempo marking is a word or phrase indicating the speed at which a piece of music should be played.
Traditional markings use Italian terms—*allegro* for fast, *andante* for walking pace, *largo* for slow.
Modern composers sometimes use plain language: Play this section as fast as possible.
Tempo markings appear at the beginning of a piece or section and wherever the speed changes.
- allegroBrisk tempo marking
- andanteWalking-pace tempo marking
- adagioSlow musical tempo
- prestoVery fast tempo
- largoVery slow tempo
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- music notationtreble clef, bass clef, clef, clefs, staff
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Study of forces
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Notation showing tonal center
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