Pas vite

As Printed on a Score

A tempo heading at the head of a song or piece, printed above the first system and lasting until the next tempo word. It defines the tempo negatively — whatever is not fast — so later changes (un peu plus vite, en pressant) are measured against an unhurried pace.

How Composers Use It

A characteristically French way of naming a tempo by the mistake to avoid. It leaves the exact speed to the text and the performer, which suits songs; in instrumental music a positive word (modéré, assez lent) or a metronome mark is clearer. Satie and Chausson both use it at the head of songs.

Example

Chausson, Sept Mélodies, Op. 2, “Le Colibri”, voice, m. 1: “Pas vite”, later quickened by “en pressant peu à peu” at m. 15.

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