Animato

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the livelier character begins, often at the start of a new section or theme; it lasts until a tempo word or a return marking (Tempo I, a tempo) cancels it. Qualifiers adjust it: poco animato, più animato, sempre più animato.

Also spelled: animata

How Composers Use It

Animato asks for life first and speed second: the line should quicken in spirit and usually a little in pace, but not by a measurable tempo change. That makes it more forgiving than più mosso for passages where you want energy without a new metronome speed. It is a favourite of Chopin and of Romantic song; pair it with a dynamic if you also want more sound, since the word says nothing about volume.

Example

Chopin, Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, m. 138: “animato”, printed at p — the word asks for life, not loudness.

Related Terms