Vivacissimo
Very lively.
What it means
Vivacissimo is the superlative form of Vivace. The ending -issimo intensifies the base word: very lively, extremely spirited. What is meant by this is not solely a higher tempo but above all an intensified degree of liveliness — the music should sparkle.
In relation to the neighbouring superlatives, the difference lies in the colouring. Prestissimo calls for the utmost in speed, Allegrissimo an intensified cheerfulness, Vivacissimo an intensified liveliness. Where the boundaries lie is not fixed; in practice Vivacissimo lies roughly in the range of a Presto, without its emphasis on pure speed.
The word frequently also appears as an addition following another tempo word, intensifying it.
In the notation
The marking stands in italics above the first staff of a movement or section and can become the movement's name. Typical is its proximity to short articulation marks, light accompaniment figures, and beaming in larger groups. Metronome numbers alongside it mostly come from the editor and are to be read as a rough guide.
Musical use
The designation is used in closing movements, scherzi, and final sections that are meant to seem especially sparkling, as well as where, after an already lively section, another step up is taken. Because it is rarer than Vivace, it works as a clear signal: here more is meant to happen than in the ordinary fast movement.
The marking is the superlative form of vivace and calls for a very lively performance. It is rare and mostly stands in final movements or closing sections. The marking is rarer than vivace.
Performance practice
Determine the tempo at the densest passage, not at the beginning. Keep the articulation very short and the movements small — in this range, the distance travelled by finger, bow, or tongue decides success. Count in large units, so that the movement keeps its momentum and does not fall apart into individual beats. And take care that the metric points of weight remain audible: without them, even a very lively piece sounds uniform rather than sparkling.