Pieces you may already know at Allegro
The quickest way to feel a tempo is to hum a piece written at it. These carry the marking Allegro in the score, or are almost always played in its range.
- Symphony No. 40, 1st movement — Mozart
Molto allegro — the pulse most people imagine when they hear "Allegro".
- Eine kleine Nachtmusik, 1st movement — Mozart
Allegro; a good piece to clap along to when checking a metronome.
- Symphony No. 5, 1st movement — Beethoven
Allegro con brio — the famous four-note motif.
- The Four Seasons, "Spring", 1st movement — Vivaldi
Allegro; bright and steady, close to 120 BPM in most recordings.
In today's music: Most dance-pop, house and rock: 120–140 BPM is the busiest tempo band in the charts.
Questions
What BPM is Allegro?
Allegro is usually given as about 168 BPM, with 144 BPM a typical middle value. Editions and traditions differ, so treat the range as a guide.
What does Allegro mean?
Fast, cheerful. Bright and quick. The most common fast marking in classical repertoire.
How do I practise a Allegro passage?
Start near 60–72 BPM so the notes are accurate, then step up by about 5 BPM until you reach the marked tempo.
Tempo ranges are approximate and differ between editions, periods and performers.