Doppio

As Printed on a Score

Rarely printed alone: it appears in doppio movimento (twice as fast) and doppio valore (note values doubled), as a tempo direction above the staff, and in names such as doppio bemolle (double flat). Read the word that follows it.

How Composers Use It

Doppio movimento is the common use: the beat goes twice as fast, as when Chopin’s B-flat minor Sonata moves from its Grave introduction to Doppio movimento. When the metre changes at the same time, say which note value is doubled, or give metronome marks for both tempos; ‘double’ is clear only when the reference beat is.

Related Terms