Allegretto con grazia

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as the movement heading and in force until the next tempo word; in orchestral scores it appears over the woodwinds and the strings and in every part. Opening articulation — pizz., dolce, leggiero — often follows close by.

How Composers Use It

Con grazia asks for elegance and lightness of phrasing, the same quality as grazioso. Tchaikovsky heads the waltz-like second movement of his Sixth Symphony, written in 5/4, Allegro con grazia — a close relative — where the word reassures players that an unusual metre should still flow. Use it when a line’s charm depends on gentle stress and relaxed rhythm; it is weaker on music that is merely fast and busy.

Example

Franz, 12 Gesänge, Op. 1, “Ihr Auge”, voice, m. 1: “Allegretto con grazia” heads the song.

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