Moderato
Definition. At a moderate tempo — neither slow nor fast, around 108–120 BPM.
Detailed Explanation
Moderato is Italian for ‘moderate’, and as a tempo marking it indicates a middle pace — neither slow nor fast. In conventional metronome charts moderato is set around 108–120 BPM, in the range between andante and allegro. It is one of the most flexibly used tempo terms.
Moderato can stand alone (‘Moderato’) or, more commonly, modify another marking: Allegro moderato (a moderate allegro, slower than a true allegro), Andante moderato (a moderate andante, faster than a true andante). When used as a modifier it pulls the indicated tempo toward the centre, away from extremes.
The marking is especially common in 19th-century music. Schubert, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky use it both as a standalone tempo and as a modifier. In modern practice it functions as a kind of safety phrase: ‘at a sensible pace’, neither rushed nor lethargic.
Etymology
Italian, ‘moderate, restrained’, from Latin moderatus, past participle of moderari (‘to moderate’).
In Practice
When ‘Moderato’ appears alone, set a tempo that feels comfortably forward-moving — not slow, not fast. When it modifies another marking, soften the indicated tempo toward the middle.
Notable Examples
- Tchaikovsky — Piano Concerto No. 1 (Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso — moderato character)
- Schubert — Symphony No. 8 ‘Unfinished’ (Allegro moderato opening)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Moderato mean in music?
At a moderate tempo — neither slow nor fast, around 108–120 BPM.
Where does the word Moderato come from?
Italian, ‘moderate, restrained’, from Latin moderatus, past participle of moderari (‘to moderate’).
How is Moderato performed in practice?
When ‘Moderato’ appears alone, set a tempo that feels comfortably forward-moving — not slow, not fast. When it modifies another marking, soften the indicated tempo toward the middle.
What musical terms are related to Moderato?
Related terms include: Andante, Allegretto, Tempo Comodo, Tempo Giusto.
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