What is "andante": meaning of the word

Music consists of a number of components: melody, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, fret and, perhaps, the most important thing is tempo. It is with his great merit that what everyone loves so dearly is created - music.

What is the pace and what is andante?

Time in music

Pace

The word "pace" grows from Latin roots. Translated tempus - "time".

Time is a physical concept, the unit of measurement of which is meter fractions. It would seem that a simple matter is to count the meter, but this is far from the case. For accurate measurement there is a metronome tool. It was created at the beginning of the 19th century by the mechanic Dietrich Winkel. His work is similar to the heartbeat process.

metronome instrument

There are three main groups by which the pace is classified.

1. Slow:

  • largo - the slowest of all possible;
  • tape - is lingering in nature;
  • adagio - calmly;
  • grave - slower andante and has a rather heavy character;

2. Moderate:

  • andante - slowly;
  • andantino - a relative of a higher pace and a little livelier;
  • sostenuto - is restrained;
  • moderato - the line between a moderate and a fast pace;
  • allegretto - has a lively vibrant character;

3. Fast:

  • allegro - rather;
  • vivo - living;
  • vivace - even more alive;
  • presto - pretty fast;
  • stupidly - incredibly fast.
Pace of music

What is "andante"?

A word has several meanings.

  1. Andante (from Italian - “walking”) - a term in music, denoting a moderate pace, which is associated with a calm step. According to the metronome, the speed ranges from 76 to 108 beats per minute. The pace has a position “in the middle” between two of his compatriots - grave (heavily) and sostenuto (restrained).
  2. Andante is a rather slow part in symphonic forms, sonatas and other musical genres.

On practice

What is “andante” in practical life?

The pace of "andante" is considered one of the most common in music, as it occupies a relatively average position. At this speed, you can better listen to the accompaniment and enjoy the main tune.

For example, “andante” on the piano is often practiced and only adorns the sound of the work.

In notes, the tempo is indicated on the left side:

Andante in sheet music

One of his worthy examples, as part of the work, is the andante “Elvira Madigan” from concert No. 21 for piano and orchestra written by V. A. Mozart.

Haydn's work Symphony No. 94 "Surprise" contains a part of the "andante", which in tempo completely coincides with its name. She has a calm pace, but not too slow pace:

In addition

In addition to the variety of pace, there are a huge number of touches and additions to clarify details. For instance:

  • andante assai (andante assai) - very calm;
  • andante maestoso (andante maestoso) - a solemn step;
  • andante mosso (andante mosso) - briskly;
  • andante non troppo (andante non troppo) - with slow movements;
  • andante con moto (andante con moto) - an easy step.

I would like to note that in music there are hundreds of touches with which authors can convey to the artist the desired sound and character more accurately.

Finally

Do not assume that the pace is a purely conservative thing. The music is full of opportunities for self-expression and virtuosity, which makes it so interesting. That is why the meter can be modified subject to the tempo limits. The metronome also serves to hone the work on the technical side.

Musical instruments

So what is andante? Another way to enrich the music world.


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