Tempo and Dynamics Markings: Allegro, Forte and More

Why the words are in Italian

Most of these terms come from Italian because Italian composers and publishers led the way in written music for centuries, and the habit stuck. You will see the same words in sheet music from nearly every country. You do not need to speak Italian. You only need to learn about twenty words, and this page covers the ones you will meet most.

Tempo markings

Tempo is the speed of the beat, usually measured in beats per minute (BPM). If you want the difference between beat, rhythm and tempo, our guide to rhythm vs beat vs tempo sets it out. The table below shows the common markings with the approximate ranges given on Wikipedia's tempo page.

Treat these numbers as a rough guide. The ranges overlap, they vary between composers and works, and a word marking cannot tell you an exact metronome speed on its own. When a score gives both a word and a number, such as "Allegro, quarter note = 132", follow the number.

Changing the tempo

Music rarely stays at one speed. A few markings tell you to change it.

• Ritardando (rit.): gradually slow down.
• Accelerando: gradually speed up.
• A tempo: go back to the original speed, for example after a ritardando.

You will often see a ritardando at the end of a phrase or piece, which gives it a natural sense of closing.

Dynamics markings

Dynamics describe volume. According to Wikipedia's article on dynamics, the standard markings run from very quiet to very loud like this.

These are relative, not fixed. A piano marking does not mean a set number of decibels. It means a passage should be clearly quieter than a forte one, and the actual volume depends on the instrument, the phrase and the room.

Gradual and sudden changes

A crescendo (cresc.) means getting louder gradually, and the word comes from the Italian for growing. A decrescendo or diminuendo (dim.) means getting quieter. In sheet music these often appear as long wedge shapes under the notes. A sforzando (sf or sfz) is different: it is a strong accent on one note, not a change that lasts.

Reading them in a score

Tempo words usually sit above the first bar (US: measure), while dynamics sit below the staff, under the notes they affect. Together with the time signature and key signature, they tell you how to play the piece, not just which notes. If you are still learning the basics of reading, start with how to read sheet music and understanding rhythm and time signatures.

How to practise

• Set a metronome or the beat maker to the BPM of each tempo word and tap along until you can feel the difference.
• Play one simple scale on the online piano at pp, then mf, then ff, to hear how dynamics change the feel.
• Add a crescendo up the scale and a diminuendo coming back down.
• Fold it into your 15-minute daily practice routine.

Frequently asked questions

Where to go next

Once you can read tempo and dynamics, move on to key signatures and triads. New to theory? The music theory for beginners guide gives you the whole path.