Allegretto

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff at the head of a movement or section, alone or qualified — Allegretto grazioso, Allegretto scherzando, Allegretto con moto, Poco allegretto. It holds until the next tempo word. In Classical scores it often heads a minuet, rondo or variation movement; in symphonies it can replace the slow movement with something lighter in step.

How Composers Use It

Allegretto implies lightness and charm more than speed — it is the diminutive of Allegro ("a little cheerful"). Use it for movements with grace and wit, or as a substitute for a traditional slow movement when you want something lighter.

Example

Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, second movement (Allegretto) — the famous processional ostinato, proving that Allegretto can be deeply serious despite its "cheerful" etymology.

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