allegretto

/,æli'gretou/

Thân thiện

The pianist plays the piece allegretto.

Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In a moderately quick tempo: A musical direction indicating that a piece or passage should be played at a tempo that is somewhat quick, but not as fast as allegro.

2. Adjective:

   • (Of tempo) faster than allegro: Describing a tempo that is brisk and lively, specifically faster than allegro. (Note: This definition from the provided reference appears contradictory to standard musical terminology, where "allegretto" is typically slower than "allegro". The standard definition is: moderately fast, but slower than allegro.)

3. Noun:

   • A musical composition or passage to be performed at a somewhat quicker tempo than andante but not as fast as allegro: A piece of music, or a section within it, marked with this tempo instruction.
   • A quicker tempo than andante but not as fast as allegro: The speed or pace of the music itself when played allegretto.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the second movement allegretto.
  • This section should be performed allegretto, with a light and cheerful feel.

• Adjective:

  • The allegretto movement provides a gentle contrast to the vigorous opening.
  • He composed an allegretto scherzo for the quartet.

• Noun:

  • The third piece on the program is a charming allegretto by Mozart.
  • The tempo changes from a slow adagio to a lively allegretto.

Advanced Usage

• In musical scores, "allegretto" is often used as a standalone tempo marking but can be modified with terms like "poco allegretto" (a little allegretto) or "allegretto grazioso" (gracefully and moderately fast).
• It can describe not just tempo but also character: music marked allegretto is often light, graceful, and playful, not merely fast.

Variants and Related Words

• Allegro (adj., adv., n.): A fast, quick, and bright tempo. Allegretto is generally slower than allegro.
• Andante (adj., adv., n.): A walking pace; moderately slow. Allegretto is faster than andante.
• Moderato (adj., adv., n.): At a moderate speed. Allegretto is typically slightly faster than moderato.

Synonyms

• Moderately fast
• Briskly (in a general, non-musical sense)
• Lightly (implying character, not strictly tempo)

Antonyms

• Largo (very slow and broad)
• Adagio (slow and stately)
• Lento (slow)

Related Musical Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Tempo: The speed at which a passage of music is played.
• Metronome marking: A precise indication of tempo, e.g., allegretto might correspond to approximately 112-120 beats per minute.
• Time signature: The musical notation indicating how many beats are in each measure (e.g., 4/4, 3/4), which works in conjunction with the tempo marking.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (of tempo) faster than allegro

Adverb

1. in a moderately quick tempo
   • play this more allegretto

Noun

1. a musical composition or musical passage to be performed at a somewhat quicker tempo than andante but not as fast as allegro
2. a quicker tempo than andante but not as fast as allegro