About Prestissimo
The fastest standard marking. Reserved for virtuosic closing passages.
Every tempo in the Prestissimo range
Pieces you may already know at Prestissimo
The quickest way to feel a tempo is to hum a piece written at it. These carry the marking Prestissimo in the score, or are almost always played in its range.
- Piano Sonata No. 5 Op. 10 No. 1, 3rd movement — Beethoven
A rare full movement marked Prestissimo.
- Piano Sonata No. 30 Op. 109, 2nd movement — Beethoven
Prestissimo — barely two minutes of driving energy.
- Symphony No. 9, finale (closing bars) — Beethoven
The very end accelerates to Prestissimo.
- Étude Op. 10 No. 4 — Chopin
Marked Presto, but the semiquavers make it feel like the top of the scale.
In today's music: Speedcore and the fastest bluegrass breakdowns. Almost everyone counts this at half speed.
Questions
What BPM is Prestissimo?
Prestissimo is usually given as about 240 BPM, with 220 BPM a typical middle value. Editions and traditions differ, so treat the range as a guide.
What does Prestissimo mean?
As fast as possible. The fastest standard marking. Reserved for virtuosic closing passages.
How do I practise a Prestissimo passage?
Start near 100–110 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.