Definition

1. Adverb:

   • At a moderately slow tempo: Used as a musical direction to indicate a piece should be played at a walking pace, neither too fast nor too slow.

2. Adjective:

   • (Of tempo) moderately slow: Describing a musical passage or composition that has a moderately slow speed.

3. Noun:

   • A moderately slow tempo (a walking pace): The speed or pace of the music itself.
   • A musical composition or passage to be performed moderately slow: A piece of music, or a section within it, that is intended to be played at an andante tempo.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The second movement is marked "andante," so please play it at a walking pace.
• Adjective:
  • The andante section provides a beautiful contrast to the lively finale.
• Noun:
  • The piece opens with a gentle andante. (referring to a tempo)
  • The program included a lovely andante by Mozart. (referring to a composition)

Advanced Usage

• "Andante moderato": A tempo marking that is slightly faster than alone, meaning "moderately slow and moderate."
  • The conductor took the andante moderato a bit faster than usual.

Variants and Related Words

• Andantino (adj., adv., n.): A tempo marking that can mean either slightly faster or slightly slower than , though it often implies a little quicker.
  • The andantino movement felt light and graceful.

Synonyms

• Adagietto (n., adj.): A tempo slightly faster than ; can be similar to in some contexts.
• Moderato (adj., adv.): At a moderate speed, which can sometimes overlap with the feeling of .

Related Musical Terms (Contextual)

• Tempo: The speed at which a passage of music is played.
• Metronome marking: A precise indication of tempo, e.g., is often around 76-108 beats per minute.
• Movement: A self-contained section of a larger musical work, often with its own tempo marking like .

Adjective

1. (of tempo) moderately slow

Adverb

1. at a moderately slow tempo
   • this passage must be played andante

Noun

1. a musical composition or musical passage to be performed moderately slow
2. a moderately slow tempo (a walking pace)