Con moto

As Printed on a Score

Usually printed as part of a heading — Andante con moto, Moderato con moto, Allegretto con moto — where it quickens the word it follows; alone mid-movement it asks for more motion until the next tempo word. Più moto and meno moto are related but separate directions.

How Composers Use It

Con moto prevents a slow tempo from becoming static. Andante con moto moves more purposefully than plain Andante. Use it when you want the music to flow steadily forward without becoming rushed.

Example

Schubert's "Unfinished" Symphony, second movement (Andante con moto) — the con moto keeps the gentle melody moving forward.

Related Terms