Vivace

What it means

Vivace means “lively, animated” and designates a fast tempo in which the emphasis lies on liveliness. As a rough guide, about 140 to 176 beats per minute are often given; the figures vary considerably from edition to edition.

The difference from Allegro is more a difference of character than of speed: Allegro means cheerful and brisk, Vivace alert and spirited, often with a touch of sparkle. In practice, Vivace is mostly taken somewhat faster than Allegro, but this is not binding. Vivo is closely related and less fixed, Vivacissimo the superlative form. As an addition, the word often follows another tempo word, for instance in Allegro vivace, and then intensifies it.

The German equivalent is lebhaft.

In the notation

The marking stands in italics above the first staff of a movement or section and often becomes the movement's name. Typical is its proximity to short articulation marks, staccato dots, and light accompaniment figures that make the lively character visible in the notation. Metronome numbers alongside it often come from the editor.

Musical use

Vivace is written over outer movements of sonatas and symphonies, scherzi, and dance-like movements. In chamber music it stands over movements whose appeal lies in the rapid interplay of the voices. It also marks the animated sections in sets of variations. Because the word designates the character as well, it is often found where liveliness is expressly meant, not only speed.

Vivace calls for liveliness more than mere tempo. The tempo mostly lies between allegro and presto.

Performance practice

Look for the tempo via the character: the movement should sound alert and buoyant, not rushed. Keep the articulation short and light — liveliness arises more from this than from speed. Work out the metric points of weight and avoid an even accentuation of all notes. Depending on the time signature, count in larger units, so that the movement gains momentum. And check any addition before you fix the tempo.