Allegrissimo

Allegrissimo is the superlative form of allegro, indicating a tempo even faster than allegro itself. In the standard tempo hierarchy it sits roughly between allegro and presto, though the exact distinction is a matter of context. Some traditions treat allegrissimo as essentially synonymous with vivacissimo or prestissimo.

The marking is rarer than its parent. Composers usually achieve the same effect by writing allegro molto or allegro vivace. When allegrissimo does appear, it carries a slightly old-fashioned flavour, suggesting an earlier century’s vocabulary.

The spirit of allegrissimo is exuberance pushed to the limit — bright, fast, brilliant — without losing the cheerful affect that gives allegro its name. A grim allegrissimo would be a contradiction.

Italian, superlative of allegro. The -issimo suffix amplifies the adjective to its extreme.

Treat allegrissimo as ‘allegro at maximum brightness’. Faster than allegro, but the character should remain lyrical and joyful, not driven or tense. Otherwise the marking misfires.