Assez vif

As Printed on a Score

A tempo heading printed above the first system (sometimes with a full stop, Assez vif.) and in force until the next tempo word. Slower episodes inside the piece are marked against it (Plus lent), and returns are marked au Mouvt or Même mouvement.

How Composers Use It

Fairly lively — brisk and bright without the drive of Vif. Ravel heads Alborada del gracioso with it, a piece where clarity of articulation matters as much as speed. As always, assez is “rather”, not the Italian assai. Choose it over assez vite when you want the music’s liveliness, not just its pace, to be the point.

Example

Ravel, Miroirs No. 4, “Alborada del gracioso”, piano, m. 1: “Assez vif.” heads the piece; its slower episodes are marked “Plus lent” against it.

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