Allegro moderato

What it means

Allegro moderato joins two tempo words: Allegro gives the direction, moderato tempers it. The result lies between Allegretto and the full Allegro — fast, but without urge, with a pulse that strides evenly rather than drives. Figures for it vary considerably and should count only as a rough orientation.

The distinction from Allegro ma non troppo is fine: both hold back, yet ma non troppo formulates a warning against too much tempo, while moderato names a moderate pace of its own. In sounding effect the two lie close together, and many editions treat them practically alike. From Moderato alone the phrase differs in that Allegro stays the point of reference: what is meant is a moderate fast tempo, not a middling one.

In the notation

The marking stands in italics above the first system and can become the movement’s name. Further additions such as con moto or grazioso make the character precise. Metronome figures beside it frequently come from the editor and differ from edition to edition.

Musical use

The designation is found in opening movements whose theme is broadly conceived and needs time to speak, as well as in movements with dense accompaniment that would become restless at a higher tempo. It is also widespread in teaching and study literature, because it denotes a tempo that seems lively without being technically demanding. In slower movements with many small note values it ensures that the figures stay clear.

The marking is frequent in opening movements.

Performance practice

Find the tempo by way of the character, not the figure: the movement should sound alert but not press. A good test is the longest phrase — if it can be thought in one breath or bow without rushing, the tempo is usually right. Keep the beat stable and shape rather through articulation and dynamics than through changes of tempo. See that the accompaniment figures do not become heavier than the melody, or the moderation seems like stiffness.