Accelerando
Gradually faster
"Accelerando", an Italian term in music, translates to "increasing speed" or "getting faster" in English. It serves as a tempo instruction, signaling that the pace of the music should gradually quicken, resulting in a progressive acceleration.
"Accelerando" functions as a tempo guide for performers, directing them to smoothly escalate the tempo of the music. This notation is often abbreviated as "accel." on sheet music and is accompanied by a right-pointing arrow, visually denoting the tempo's ascent.
Upon encountering the "Accelerando" notation, musicians should embark on a gradual tempo increase, propelling the music toward a progressively faster tempo. This incremental uptick infuses the music with dynamic energy, introducing shifts in rhythm and creating a heightened sense of motion.
The tempo shift indicated by "Accelerando" should be a seamless transition, void of abruptness. Musicians should ensure a fluid shift that honors the composer's intent, maintaining a poised equilibrium between musicality and expressive delivery.
Interpreting "Accelerando" necessitates musicians to navigate a gradual tempo ascent, infusing the music with a renewed sense of momentum and variation. This alteration in tempo bestows vibrancy and allure to the music, as it continues to evolve at a measured pace.
Example of Accelerando
Common Tempo Markings
| Tempo Marking | bpm | Meaning |
| Grave | 20 - 40 bpm | Slow and solemn |
| Lento | 40 - 60 bpm | Slow |
| Largo | 40 - 60 bpm | Slow and broad |
| Larghetto | 60 - 66 bpm | Rather broadly |
| Adagio | 66 - 76 bpm | Slow and stately |
| Adagietto | 70 - 80 bpm | Slightly faster than adagio |
| Andante | 72 - 76 bpm | Walking pace |
| Andante moderato | 92 - 98 bpm | Moderate walking pace |
| Moderato | 108 - 120 bpm | At a moderate tempo |
| Allegretto | 112 - 120 bpm | Moderately fast |
| Allegro moderato | 116 - 120 bpm | Moderately quick |
| Allegro | 120 - 156 bpm | Fast and lively |
| Vivace | 156 - 176 bpm | Fast and lively |
| Allegro vivace | 172 - 176 bpm | Very fast and lively |
| Presto | 168 - 200 bpm | Quickly |
| Prestissimo | 200+ bpm | As fast as possible |