Tempo Tags
Here is an organized list with BPM ranges, which are broadly accepted in classical and contemporary music.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and actual performance tempos can vary.
Lento to Largo (Very Slow)
● Grave: 20-40 BPM
● Largo: 40-60 BPM
● Larghetto: 60-66 BPM
Adagio (Slow)
● Lento: 45-60 BPM
● Adagissimo: Very slow
● Adagio: 66-76 BPM
Andante (Walking Pace)
● Largamente: Broadly
● Andante: 76-108 BPM
● Andantino: Slightly faster than Andante (but sometimes interpreted as slightly
slower than Andante)
Moderato (Moderate)
● Andante moderato: Between Andante and Moderato
● Moderato: 108-120 BPM
● Allegretto: 112-120 BPM
● Tempo comodo: At a comfortable pace
Allegro (Fast)
● Allegro moderato: 116-120 BPM
● Allegro: 120-168 BPM
● Allegro vivace: 132-140 BPM
● Vivace: 140-176 BPM
● Allegro assai: Very fast
● Molto allegro: Very fast
● Vivacissimo: Very lively and fast
Presto to Prestissimo (Very Fast)
● Allegrissimo or Allegro vivace: 172-176 BPM
● Presto: 168-200 BPM
● Prestissimo: 200+ BPM
Additional Terms Reecting Change or Character
● Accelerando: Gradually accelerating or speeding up
● Ritardando: Gradually slowing down
● Rallentando: Broadening, often implying a decrease in tempo
● Rubato: Flexible tempo for expressive purposes
● Mosso: Movement, more lively
● Con moto: With motion
● Tempo primo: Return to the rst tempo
● Doppio movimento: Double the speed
● Sostenuto: Sustained, can imply a slower tempo
● Allargando: Broadening, usually slowing down
● Stringendo: Pressing on faster
● Tranquillo: Tranquilly, can imply a slower tempo
● Con brio: With vigor, implies a lively tempo
● Cantabile: In a singing style, the tempo can vary
● Scherzando: Playful or joking
● Tempo di marcia: March tempo, variable
● Tempo giusto: Strict, exact tempo
● Animato: Animated or lively
These BPMs are not absolutes but rather guidelines to help musicians interpret the
tempo markings composers use in their scores. The context of the piece, the
composer’s era, and stylistic preferences can all inuence the chosen tempo.