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allegretto

allegretto

9.8
Played at a fairly quick speed in music, faster than a slow movement but slower than a fast one
  • adjective
  • /ˌæl.əˈɡrɛt.oʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : allegretto
  • The sonata's second movement is marked allegretto, giving it a light and playful character.

Examples

  • The orchestra performed the symphony at an allegretto pace, maintaining a cheerful mood throughout.

  • Can you play that piece in allegretto?

  • Her interpretation of the piece, slightly slower than allegretto, brought out delicate nuances in the melody.

  • The symphony was played at an allegretto pace.

  • The orchestra performed the symphony at an allegretto pace, maintaining a cheerful mood throughout.

  • The sonata's second movement is marked allegretto, giving it a light and playful character.

  • The piece sounded joyful when played at an allegretto tempo, lifting everyone's spirits.

Synonyms

andantino
vsallegretto
  • Specialized
9.9

Played a little faster than walking speed in a gentle, flowing way

is a moderate speed that stays slower than allegro

How Fast

presto
  • Specialized
7.3
allegro
  • Specialized
1 8.1
allegretto
  • Specialized
9.8
andante
  • Specialized
8.6
adagio
  • Specialized
8.2
largo
  • Specialized
4 9.5

Surface Forms

allegretto positive

Etymology

Allegretto as an adjective or adverb comes from the same Italian parts: allegro 'lively' plus -etto 'little'. So when music is marked allegretto, it is a direction to play at a 'little lively' speed, faster than andante but slower than allegro.