Allegro Moderato
Moderately quick
"Allegro Moderato" is an Italian musical term that translates to "moderately fast and lively" in English. It is a tempo marking used to indicate that the music should be performed at a moderate and lively pace while maintaining a sense of ease. The tempo is slightly faster than "andante" but not as brisk as "allegro". It is usually played at a tempo of 120 to 156 beats per minute.
"Allegro Moderato" is a tempo indication that guides the performer in terms of the speed and character of a piece of music. It signifies that the music should be played at a moderate and lively pace while maintaining a relaxed and joyful feeling. This marking is often represented on sheet music as the words "allegro moderato".
When encountering an "Allegro Moderato" marking, performers are expected to play at a tempo that is moderately fast and lively while keeping a sense of relaxation and cheerfulness. This tempo choice creates a lively and joyful musical atmosphere, falling between the leisurely pace of "andante" and the briskness of "allegro".
The "Allegro Moderato" tempo marking allows composers to create a sense of flow and dynamism in the music while maintaining a sense of ease at a moderate speed. It strikes a balance between two tempos and provides performers with an opportunity to showcase musicality and expression.
Interpreting "Allegro Moderato" requires performers to maintain a moderately fast and lively tempo while infusing the music with a relaxed and cheerful expression. The music should feel vibrant and joyful, with a fluidity of melodies.
Example of Allegro Moderato
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 |