Music Terms Study Sheet

TEMPO STYLE PERFORMANCE CUES

Poco a poco Little by little.

Espressivo Expressive; with
Da Ca po (D.C.) From the beginning.

Moderato At a moderate tempo. expression. Dal Segno (D.S.) From the sign.

Meno mosso Less movement; slower.

Con Brio With vigor; spirit.
Fine The end.

Ritardando Slowing down gradually. Dolce Sweet; gentle.

Soli Players from a section of the

Andante Moderately slow; at a

Senza Without.
larger group featured.
walking pace. Grave Slow and solemn. Simile Continue in the same manner

Accelerando Becoming quicker.

Subito Suddenly. that has just been indicated.
A tempo Return to the original
Leggiero Light, nimble, quick.
Tutti A passage played by the entire

tempo. Pesante Weighty, with emphasis.

ensemble.
Maestoso Majestic.
Animato Lively, animated.
Tacet Don't play or sing.

Allegro Fast.
Sostenuto Sustained. 8va Play an octave higher than

Largo Very slow.

Con Moto With motion.
written.
Tranquillo Quiet, tranquil.
Tempo Primo (Tempo I) Return to the

Tenuto Held, sustained.

original tempo.
Piu More.
Attacca Proceed without break.

Staccato Sharply detached.

Legato Smoothly.

Marcato Marked or stressed.

Rubato A flexible tempo using slight

variations of speed to
enhance musical expression.
Cantabile In a singing style.

Grazioso Gracefully.

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