"Allegro" is an Italian musical term that translates to "fast" in English. It is used to describe a musical composition or movement that should be performed with a lively and quick tempo. "Allegro" provides conductors and musicians with an indication of the speed at which a piece should be played or sung. It is usually played at a tempo of 120 to 156 beats per minute.
"Allegro" is a common tempo marking used to instruct performers on the rhythm and pace of a musical piece. It typically indicates a faster tempo, but the specific speed can vary based on the composer's style, the nature of the composition, and the interpretation of the performers.
In sheet music, "Allegro" may be accompanied by additional terms such as "Allegro moderato" (moderately fast) or "Allegro con brio" (with vigor), providing further musical guidance.
The tempo indicated by "Allegro" can vary depending on the emotions, style, and era of the composition. During the Baroque and Classical periods, "Allegro" was often used to express lively, cheerful, and spirited music. In the Romantic period, the term might be used to convey more emotional and dynamic variations.
Performing "Allegro" requires maintaining a steady rhythm while ensuring the music remains vibrant and clear. Performers need to uphold accuracy at a fast tempo while also paying attention to the expression and dynamic changes in the music.
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 |
Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer, the predominant musical figure during the transition between the Classical to Romantic eras. He occupies an unprecedented dominance in the history of Western music history, and has been widely regarded as the greatest, most influential and most popular musician who ever lived.
Beethoven's music inherited the artistic atmosphere of Haydn and Mozart, penetrated the desire for dignity, vented the anger tortured by fate, and demonstrated his determination to fight with fate.
Compared to other musicians, Beethoven is effectively to interact the philosophy of life with audience through music. Although he was not a romantic, he had become the object followed by other romantics.
As a musician, Beethoven suffered from ear diseases. However, he was unwilling to succumb to fate, vowing to take fate by the throat, and continue to complete his career. In the last ten years of his life, without hearing any sound, his compositions influenced the development of music for nearly two hundred years.