Con brio
With vigor, with spirit
"Con brio" is an Italian expression that translates to "with vigor" or "with spirit" in English, conveying the meanings of "energy" or "enthusiasm".
In music, "con brio" is an instruction used to guide performers to play with a lively and spirited quality, evoking a sense of briskness and vivacity.
In other words, when interpreting "con brio", performers should aim to infuse the music with a dynamic and enthusiastic energy, allowing the audience to experience a musical performance that is characterized by liveliness and spiritedness, reflecting the composer's intention for a vibrant and energetic rendition of the piece.
Example of Con brio
K. 183 Mozart Symphony No. 25 in G minor, I Allegro con brio
Common Expression Markings
Musical Terms | Meaning |
Affettuoso | Affectionate, expressive |
Agitato | Agitated, restless |
Animato | Animated, lively |
Appassionato | Passionate, emotional |
Brillante | Brilliant, shining |
Brioso | Lively, vivacious |
Bruscamente | Abruptly, suddenly |
Buffo | Comic, humorous |
Cantabile | Singing, song-like |
Celere | Fast, quick |
Colossale | Colossal, enormous |
Comodo | Comfortable, convenient |
Con amore | With love, affectionately |
Con brio | With vigor, with spirit |
Con forza | With force, with strength |
Con fuoco | With fire, with passion |
Con grazia | With grace, with elegance |
Con moto | With motion, with movement |
Con spirito | With spirit, with energy |
Dolce | Sweet, gentle |
Doloroso | Sorrowful, painful |
Drammatico | Dramatic |
Energico | Energetic, forceful |
Espressivo | Expressive |
Feroce | Fierce, ferocious |
Festoso | Festive, joyful |
Furioso | Furious, violent |
Giocoso | Playful, joyful |
Grandioso | Grand, majestic |
Grazioso | Graceful |
Lacrimoso | Tearful, weeping |
Leggiero | Light |
Maestoso | Majestic |
Marcato | Emphasized, accentuated |
Misterioso | Mysterious |
Pesante | Heavy, weighty |
Risoluto | Resolute, with determination |
Scherzando | Jokingly, playful |
Semplicemente | Simple, plainly |
Slancio | Impulse, momentum |
Solitario | Solitary, lonely |
Sonore | Sonorous, resonant |
Sostenuto | Sustained, steady |
Sotto voce | Soft voice |
Tranquillo | Calm, peaceful |
Volante | Flying, light |