1. Larghissimo, 10–19 bpm: The lowest tempo, all lower tempos are unnamed. Adds Italian superlative suffix “-issimo” to “Largo.” (see 4)
2. Grave, 20–40 bpm: Not unlike the English, “grave” as in, “grave importance.”
3. Lento, 41–45 bpm: From Italian for “slow.”
4. Largo, 46–50 bpm: Related to the English, “large.” Related in that the spaces of the tempo are “large.”
5. Larghetto, 51–55 bpm: Uses a diminutive form of Largo. (see 4)
6. Adagio, 56–65 bpm: Simply meaning, “slow.” Comes from “ad” and “agio,” meaning “at ease.”
7. Adagietto, 66–69 bpm: Adds Italian diminutive suffix, “-etto” to “Adagio.” (see 6)
8. Andante moderato, 70–72 bpm: Adds “moderato” (meaning, of course, moderate) to “Adante.” (see 9)
9. Andante, 73–77 bpm: From Italian for “walking.” Reference to how the tempo is around walking pace.
10. Andantino, 78–83 bpm: From Italian diminutive form of “Andante.” (see 9)
11. Marcia moderato, 84–85 bpm: “Marcia” is Italian for “march” or “speedwalking.” Combined with “moderato.” Reference to the similar Andante. (see 9)
12. Moderato, 86–97 bpm: From Italian for “moderate.”
13. Allegretto, 98–109 bpm: Adds Italian diminutive suffix “-etto” to “Allegro.” (see 14)
14. Allegro, 110–132 bpm: From Italian for “lively” and “cheerful.”
15. Vivace, 133–140 bpm: From Italian for “lively” and “vigorous.”
16. Vivacissimo, 141–150 bpm: Adds Italian superlative suffix “-issimo” to “Vivace.” (see 15)
17. Allegrissimo, 151–167 bpm: Adds Italian superlative suffix “-issimo” to “Allegro.” (see 14)
18. Presto, 168–177 bpm: From Italian for “fast” and “quick.”
19. Prestissimo, 178–500 bpm: Adds Italian superlative suffix “-issimo” to “Presto.” (see 18)

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Further Reading

Glossary of Tempo Markings Used in Classical Music

Tempo Names on Wikipedia

This webpage was originally published 18 October 2020 and was last modified 22 December 2021.