Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Moments with the Dictionary of Music #12

Allegro [It., merry, lively]. Fast. Althought the term has been used since the 17th century to indicate a fast or moderately fast tempo and is the single most widely used term for such a temp since the 18th century, it continued to be used into the 18th century as an indication of character or mood without respect to tempo.

Allegretto [It.]. Slightly less fast than allegro, often implying lighter texture or character as well.

4 comments:

Shiloh said...

I was waiting for you to get to that definition. We have a goat with the name of Allegro who is anything but.

Daniel Ahrens said...

Yeah I think you should have named that one something a little more fitting for a goat, like... Hmmm.... Bob.
Cool definitions! Fast is fun :).

Shiloh said...

Bob for a goat, Daniel! LOL! I'm waiting for a doe so I can name it Hannah. :)

On another note... Allegro... I love playing music at that speed!! ;)

Daniel Ahrens said...

Perfect! Then you can have Bob and Hannah!