Meno mosso

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the slower section begins, often with a character word (sotto voce, dolce); it holds until a tempo, Tempo I or another tempo word. It is a step change; a gradual slowing would be marked rit. or rall.

How Composers Use It

Meno mosso — less motion — eases the tempo for a contrasting idea without committing to a named slow speed, which makes it the natural marking for a lyrical second theme or a reflective episode. Più mosso or Tempo I is the usual way back. Pair it with a dynamic and a character word if you want the change of mood to be as clear as the change of pace.

Example

Chopin, Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, m. 68: “Meno mosso.”, printed with “sotto voce” at pp as the second theme begins.

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