Allegro risoluto

As Printed on a Score

Appears as a movement or section heading above the system, often after a slower introduction, and holds until the next tempo word. Because risoluto describes attack as much as speed, the first bars usually carry accents, sf or marcato that show what the word means in practice.

How Composers Use It

Risoluto asks for firmness: clean, committed attacks and no hesitation at the start of phrases. It is a good word for a fugue subject or a decisive closing section, where the player must sound certain of direction. Distinguish it from energico, which is about vigour more than certainty; deciso is nearly a synonym, so choose one. A single strength word in the heading, backed by articulation in the parts, says more than three adjectives.

Example

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 (“Hammerklavier”), fourth movement: “Allegro risoluto” launches the fugue after the free Largo introduction, directly following a “cresc. e accel.” and a “prestissimo” flourish.

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