Allegro molto

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff as a heading, often at the start of the main section after a slow introduction, and governs until the next tempo word. Molto allegro is the same instruction in the other word order.

Also spelled: Molto allegro

How Composers Use It

A fast allegro, pushing toward presto while keeping allegro’s brightness. Composers from Mozart to Dvořák use it for energetic sonata movements and finales. Because it sits near the top of the allegro range, check that the fastest figuration is playable at speed; a metronome mark tells performers whether “very” means a lively allegro or something close to presto.

Example

Dvořák, Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”), first movement, m. 24: “Allegro molto”, ending the Adagio introduction, which runs straight into it (the double basses are marked “attacca” the bar before).

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