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Glite Dictionary
con brio

con brio

9.8
To play music in a lively, energetic way
  • idiom
  • /kɒn ˈbriːoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : con brío
  • The orchestra played the overture con brio, filling the hall with excitement.

Examples

  • Her interpretation of the sonata was marked by a con brio tempo throughout the quicker movements.

  • The conductor instructed the musicians to perform the allegro section con brio.

  • Play it con brio!

  • The orchestra played the symphony con brio.

  • The orchestra played the symphony con brio, filling the concert hall with energy and excitement.

  • The pianist performed the piece con brio, captivating the audience with her lively interpretation.

  • During the lively dance, the musicians made sure to play the song con brio, encouraging everyone to join in.

Synonyms

spiritoso
vscon brio
  • Specialized
9.6

Played in a lively, energetic way

has the same musical meaning but uses a different term
allegro con spirito
vscon brio
  • Specialized
9.9

A musical instruction to play quickly with lively energy

emphasizes liveliness and enthusiasm rather than brisk tempo

Antonyms

slowly
∞ 1.0

At a low speed without hurrying

How Energetic

vivace
  • Specialized
9.9
con brio
  • Specialized
9.8
allegro
  • Specialized
1 8.1
andante
  • Specialized
1 8.2
adagio
  • Specialized
8.2

Surface Forms

con brio positive

Morphology

con + brio

The phrase literally combines con (with) + brio (liveliness/enthusiasm), so the meaning 'with liveliness/energy' is directly derivable from the parts. Although 'con' is a loan preposition (Italian/Spanish) and appears foreign, its 'with' sense is cross-linguistically familiar and 'brio' denotes vivacity, so a learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the musical instruction.

Etymology

The adverb con brio comes from Italian: con means 'with' and brio means 'spirit' or 'energy'. When a conductor writes con brio, they want the music played lively and full of energy.