allegro etymology

Etymology:

Allegretto is derived from the Italian word "allegro," which means "cheerful" or "lively." The suffix "-etto" indicates a diminutive form, suggesting a slightly less lively or fast tempo.

Meaning:

In music, allegro refers to a tempo that is moderately fast and cheerful. It falls between Andante (walking pace) and Presto (very fast).

Origin:

The term "allegro" first appeared in music during the 16th century. It was used to describe a tempo that was faster than the prevailing musical style of the time. As music developed and composers began experimenting with different tempos, the term "allegretto" emerged in the 18th century to denote a slightly slower and less lively tempo than allegro.

Usage:

Allegretto is commonly used in classical music to indicate a tempo that is brisk and lively, but not excessively fast. It is often found in pieces that are cheerful, playful, or energetic in nature. Some examples of famous pieces written in allegro include:

  • "Allegro Moderato" from Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21
  • "Allegro" from Beethoven's Symphony No. 5
  • "Allegro Vivace" from Rossini's William Tell Overture

allegro relate terms

  • alacrity

    Etymology The word alacrity comes from the Latin word alacris which means lively

  • allegretto

    Etymology Origin Italian diminutive of allegro cheerful lively Late 16th century

  • allegro

    Etymology Allegretto is derived from the Italian word allegro which means cheerful

  • composition

    Etymology Latin compositus put together arranged framed Present participle of comp

  • opus

    Etymology Late Latin opus operis work labor task Latin opus operis work tas

  • soup

    Etymology The word soup is derived from the Old French word soupe which in turn com

  • passage

    Etymology The word passage comes from the Old French word passage which in turn der

  • piece

    Etymology Piece derives from the Old French word piece meaning fragment share por

  • stride

    Etymology Middle English stride from Old English stridan to stride Proto Germanic st

  • leviathan

    Etymology Ultimate origin Biblical Hebrew liwyathan leviathan Latin form leviath

  • providence

    Etymology The word providence comes from the Latin word providentia which means fo

  • propagate

    Etymology Latin propagare meaning to lead forth to extend From pro forth

  • picnic

    Etymology The word picnic is derived from the French phrase pique nique which means