Pieces you may already know at Vivace
The quickest way to feel a tempo is to hum a piece written at it. These carry the marking Vivace in the score, or are almost always played in its range.
- Symphony No. 7, 1st movement — Beethoven
Poco sostenuto leading into a dancing Vivace.
- Concerto for Two Violins BWV 1043, 1st movement — Bach
Marked Vivace — quick, light, never heavy.
- Holberg Suite, Praeludium — Grieg
Allegro vivace; a string-orchestra warm-up staple.
In today's music: Fast pop-punk and some trance, around 170 BPM — the edge of what people dance to on the beat.
Questions
What BPM is Vivace?
Vivace is usually given as about 176 BPM, with 172 BPM a typical middle value. Editions and traditions differ, so treat the range as a guide.
What does Vivace mean?
Lively. Lively and spirited, sitting at the fast end of Allegro.
How do I practise a Vivace passage?
Start near 84–86 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.