Tempo Comodo
Definition. At a comfortable tempo — moderate, neither rushed nor lethargic.
Detailed Explanation
Tempo comodo, Italian for ‘comfortable tempo’, instructs the performer to play at a relaxed, moderate pace — fast enough to feel forward-moving, slow enough to feel unhurried. It is essentially synonymous with moderato, though the word ‘comodo’ adds a flavour of ease and physical comfort.
The marking is most often found in 18th and early 19th-century music, where it functions as a generic moderate tempo direction. Some composers use it specifically to push back against an overly fast performance tradition — the marking is a way of saying ‘don’t rush this’.
In modern usage, tempo comodo is rare. When it does appear, it carries a hint of old-fashioned formality, suggesting a piece in an earlier idiom. The character is genial and relaxed.
Etymology
Italian, ‘comfortable tempo’ — tempo + comodo (‘comfortable, convenient’), from Latin commodus.
In Practice
Aim for ease. The music should feel relaxed, neither pushed nor lazy. A comfortable walking pace, with breathing space in the phrasing.
Notable Examples
- 18th-century repertoire — Various (occasional tempo comodo markings)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tempo Comodo mean in music?
At a comfortable tempo — moderate, neither rushed nor lethargic.
Where does the word Tempo Comodo come from?
Italian, ‘comfortable tempo’ — tempo + comodo (‘comfortable, convenient’), from Latin commodus.
How is Tempo Comodo performed in practice?
Aim for ease. The music should feel relaxed, neither pushed nor lazy. A comfortable walking pace, with breathing space in the phrasing.
What musical terms are related to Tempo Comodo?
Related terms include: Moderato, Andante, Tempo Giusto.
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