Celere

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff, usually as a heading or after another tempo word; it holds until the next tempo indication. It is rare on printed scores, so a reader should take it simply as “quick” and look for a metronome mark.

How Composers Use It

An uncommon literary synonym of veloce: swift, nimble. Its rarity is its main property — it lends an unusual, slightly poetic flavour but gives performers no conventional speed to hold on to. Use it only with a metronome mark, or choose veloce or presto, which carry clearer expectations for players.

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