Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In a quick and lively tempo: Used as a musical direction to indicate that a piece or passage should be played in a fast, brisk, and cheerful manner.

2. Adjective:

   • (Of tempo) fast: Describing a piece of music that has a quick and lively speed.

3. Noun:

   • A brisk and lively tempo: The speed or pace of a piece of music that is fast and spirited.
   • A musical composition or passage to be performed quickly in a brisk lively manner: A piece of music, or a section within it, marked to be played at a fast tempo.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:

  • The instruction reads "play this section allegro." (The music should be performed quickly and with energy here.)
  • The finale is marked allegro. (The final part of the piece is to be played in a fast tempo.)

• Adjective:

  • The allegro movement is full of energy. (The fast section of the composition is very dynamic.)
  • It is an allegro piece. (This is a musical work with a fast tempo.)

• Noun:

  • The first movement is an allegro. (The opening section of the symphony is a fast piece.)
  • He practiced the difficult allegro for hours. (He spent a long time rehearsing the fast-paced musical passage.)

Advanced Usage

• "Allegro con brio": A common musical direction meaning "fast with vigor" or "lively with spirit." It combines allegro with an instruction for energetic execution.

  • The symphony's opening is marked "allegro con brio." (The beginning should be played fast and with great energy.)

• "Allegro moderato": A direction meaning "moderately fast." It indicates a tempo that is quick but not as extreme as a full allegro.

  • The second movement is an allegro moderato, providing contrast. (This section is at a moderately fast pace.)

Variants and Related Words

• Allegretto (Adverb, Adjective, Noun): A musical term indicating a tempo slightly slower than , meaning "moderately fast" or "a little lively."
  • The allegretto section is graceful and light. (The moderately fast part has a delicate quality.)

Synonyms

• Fast: Moving or capable of moving at high speed. (General term, not specific to music).
• Brisk: Active, fast, and energetic.
• Lively: Full of life and energy.

Related Phrases

• Tempo marking: is one of the standard Italian terms used to indicate the speed of a piece of music. Other common markings include (very slow), (slow), (walking pace), and (very fast).

Adjective

1. (of tempo) fast

Adverb

1. in a quick and lively tempo
   • play this section allegro

Noun

1. a musical composition or musical passage to be performed quickly in a brisk lively manner
2. a brisk and lively tempo