Fast

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as a tempo heading (Fast, Fast and gay) or inside a longer phrase, with or without a metronome mark; it holds until the next tempo word. The negative form, Not fast, heads Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer as a warning against hurrying.

How Composers Use It

The plain-English allegro or presto, and just as approximate, so a metronome figure or a character word (Fast and light) will settle how fast. English headings often join speed to mood (Fast and gay), telling the player why the music moves. A negative heading such as Not fast is a useful corrective where a style invites rushing.

Example

Joplin, The Entertainer, piano, m. 1: “Not fast.” heads the rag, over an opening f.

Related Terms