Prestissimo
As fast as possible
"Prestissimo" is an Italian musical term that translates to "very fast" or "as fast as possible" in English. It is a tempo marking used to indicate that a musical passage should be performed at an exceptionally rapid and accelerated pace, pushing the boundaries of speed and technical prowess. It is usually played at a speed of more than 200 beats per minute.
"Prestissimo" represents the utmost level of tempo marking, communicating an extraordinary sense of speed and urgency in the music. It instructs the performer to play at the highest achievable tempo while maintaining precision and control. On sheet music, "prestissimo" is often displayed to convey this extreme tempo.
When encountering a "Prestissimo" marking, musicians are expected to execute the passage at the maximum attainable speed, showcasing their technical abilities to the fullest. This tempo choice creates an electrifying and breathtaking musical atmosphere, where notes, harmonies, and rhythms whirl by in a whirlwind.
The "Prestissimo" tempo marking presents a challenge for performers, demanding exceptional agility, dexterity, and focus. Playing at such a remarkable speed necessitates a deep understanding of the musical material and a high level of technical proficiency.
Interpreting "Prestissimo" calls for performers to master complex passages with remarkable speed while upholding clarity, accuracy, and musicality. The music should emanate a sense of urgency, excitement, and vibrancy, with each note and phrase seamlessly flowing together.
Example of Prestissimo
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 |
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G Song by Terry Riley
Ludwig van Beethoven
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.