Character · Tempo, dynamics and articulation · Music theory
Next to the tempo there is often an indication of how the music should sound. These terms combine with others that qualify them: molto (very), poco (a…
Character
Next to the tempo there is often an indication of how the music should sound. These terms combine with others that qualify them: molto (very), poco (a little), più (more), meno (less), sempre (always), subito (suddenly) and non troppo (not too much). For example, “Allegro ma non troppo” is fast, but not too fast.
How to read the headings
Many markings are combinations: Allegro ma non troppo, fast but not too much; Andante con moto, walking with movement; Adagio molto, very slow; Allegro con brio, fast and with spirit. With basic Italian you can understand nearly all of them.
A few words are worth learning: ma (but), con (with), senza (without), assai (very), un poco (a little), quasi (almost), sempre (always), poco a poco (little by little).