Più mosso

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff at the bar where the quicker tempo starts, typically at a new section; it lasts until a tempo, Tempo I, Meno mosso or another tempo word. It is a step change, not a gradual one — the gradual version is accelerando or stringendo.

Also spelled: piu mosso

How Composers Use It

Più mosso asks for a noticeably quicker pace than the one before, by an amount left to the performer — a contrasting section rather than an acceleration. It is the classic way to set off a middle section in Chopin and other Romantic piano music. Because it is relative, its effect depends on the tempo it follows; mark the way back (Tempo I) and add poco or molto if the size of the change matters.

Example

Chopin, Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2, m. 33: “Più mosso”, launching the waltz’s running second section after the opening “Tempo giusto”.

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