Music Terms for Orchestra

very slow

slowly

broadly

slow and stately (literally, "at ease")

slower than andante

slightly slower than andante (although in some cases it can be taken to mean slightly faster than andante)

at a walking pace

between andante and moderato (thus the name andante moderato)

moderately, in the manner of a march

moderately

moderately fast

close to but not quite allegro

fast, quickly, and bright

lively and fast

extremely fast

even faster than presto

speeding up

growing broader; decreasing tempo, usually near the end of a piece

going slower (and usually also softer)

less movement or slower

movement, more lively, or quicker, much like più mosso, but not as extreme

more movement or faster

hurrying, going faster/forward

gradual slowing down

slowing down gradually; also see rallentando and ritenuto

slightly slower; temporarily holding back.

free adjustment of tempo for expressive purposes

pressing on faster

at the same speed as the beginning

at the same tempo as before

same tempo as original tempo

in the manner or style of

very much, as in allegro assai, quite fast

with

with vigor and spirit

with softness; delicately

with fire

with motion

less

mysterious

much, very, example

not too much

more, as in più allegro (more quickly); used as a relative indication when the tempo changes

slightly, little, as in Poco adagio

little by little

without

sustained, prolonged

suddenly

full power and force

with life and vigor

agitated, with implied quickness

to play passionately

animatedly, lively

sparkling, glittering

in singing style (lyrical and flowing)

dying away, slowing, diminishing

sweetly

energetic, strong, forceful

expressively

to play in an angry or furious manner

merrily, funny

gracefully

tearfully, sadly

lamenting, mournfully

to play lightly, or with light touch

majestic or stately (which generally indicates a solemn, slow march-like movement)

marching tempo, marked with emphasis

mystical, in a shady manner

dying

heavily

jumpy, fast, and short

playfully

peacefully

extremely soft

very soft

soft

medium soft

medium loud

loud

very loud

extremely loud

gradual increase in volume

gradual decrease in volume

literally “forced”, denotes an abrupt fierce accent on a single sound or chord.