Moderato
At a moderate tempo
"Moderato" is an Italian musical term that translates to "moderate" in English. It is a tempo marking used to indicate that the music should be performed at a moderate pace, neither too fast nor too slow. It is usually played at a tempo of 108 to 120 beats per minute.
"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 pace, falling between fast and slow. This marking is often represented on sheet music as the word "moderato".
When encountering a "Moderato" marking, performers are expected to play at a moderate speed, striking a balance between being overly brisk and excessively slow. This tempo choice creates a sense of equilibrium in the music, allowing melodies to flow smoothly and expressively while accommodating variations in emotional expression.
The "Moderato" tempo indication offers composers and performers a degree of flexibility in rhythm. It's not just an intermediate point; rather, it represents a tempo range within which emotional and musical expression can take place. This tempo choice facilitates the presentation of both melodies and harmonies while maintaining a sense of musical flow.
Interpreting "Moderato" requires performers to maintain the stability of a moderate tempo while infusing the music with expressive phrasing. This tempo encourages the fluidity of melodies and emotional expression while preserving the rhythmic aspect of the music.
Example of 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 |