Allegro maestoso

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as the heading of a movement or major section, and in orchestral scores repeated over the string group and in each part. Its scope runs to the next tempo word; maestoso belongs to the tempo, so it shapes the whole section rather than a single entry.

How Composers Use It

Maestoso adds weight and breadth to a quick tempo: fuller tone, firmly placed beats, often a slightly steadier pace than a plain Allegro. It suits movements that begin with a proclamation — dotted rhythms, chords, unisons. Watch that the two words do not pull against each other: if the music is mostly running passagework, maestoso will only slow the player down. Add a metronome mark if the balance between speed and grandeur matters to you.

Example

Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K. 310, first movement, m. 1: “Allegro maestoso”, with f in the opening bar.

Related Terms