Most of the terms used in music theory are Italian. This list covers music terms that specify a certain tempo or describe a way of playing. If you found a term you do not know look it up effortlessly using the search.
This table contains common music terms for tempo like allegro or andante. In modern music these terms may be out of date because of a metronome mark such as ♩ = 120, meaning that the piece should be played at a tempo of 120 beats per minute (bpm).
| Term | Description | BPM |
|---|---|---|
| Largo | very slow and broad | 40 - 60 |
| Lento | slow | 52 - 68 |
| Adagio | slow and stately | 60 - 80 |
| Andante | at a walking pace | 76 - 100 |
| Moderato | moderate pace | 88 - 112 |
| Allegretto | moderately fast | 100 - 128 |
| Allegro | fast, quickly and bright | 112 - 160 |
| Vivace | lively and fast | 138 - 142 |
| Presto | very fast | 140 - 200 |
| Prestissimo | extremely fast | 188 - 220 |
Articulation affects their connection, length, and emphasis. Different articulation markings help musicians express various styles and emotions, from smooth legato to sharp staccato. Below is a list of common articulation terms with their meanings.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| legato | linked together, smoothly |
| staccato | short, detached notes |
| staccatissimo | very short, extremely detached notes |
| tenuto | held for full value, slightly emphasized |
| marcato | marked, accented |
| portato | between legato and staccato, slightly detached |
Dynamic markings do not refer to absolute volumnes. They are usually written under the stave or between two staves if there are two of them.
| Symbol | Description | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ppp | pianississimo | extremely soft |
| pp | pianissimo | very soft |
| p | piano | soft |
| mp | mezzo-piano | moderately soft |
| mf | mezzo-forte | moderately loud |
| f | forte | loud |
| ff | fortissimo | very loud |
| fff | fortississimo | extremely loud |
These general terms include terms that are commonly used in conjunction with other terms like meno mosso (slightly slower) or molto rit (noticable decrease in tempo).
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| poco | a little |
| assai | very |
| meno | less |
| più | more |
| molto | much, very |
| subito | suddenly |
| dolce | sweetly |
| con brio | with spirit, lively |
| con moto | with movement |
| giocoso | playfully |
| cantabile | in a singing style |
| ritardando | gradually slowing down |
| accelerando | gradually speeding up |
| sempre | always, continuously |
| sforzando | with sudden emphasis |
| crescendo | gradually getting louder |
| diminuendo | gradually getting softer |
| da capo | from the beginning |
| dal segno | from the sign |
| fine | the end |