Più presto

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the faster pace begins, often in a coda; it lasts until the next tempo word. Related forms include poco più presto and the superlative il più presto possibile (as fast as possible).

Also spelled: piu presto

How Composers Use It

Più presto asks for a faster tempo with the urgency presto implies, so it belongs to final pages and closing strettas where speed itself becomes the climax. Check that the figuration stays playable at the new speed; near the top of the tempo range the instruction can only be relative. If you need a specific goal, write Prestissimo or a metronome mark instead.

Example

Hensel, Gartenlieder, Op. 3, “Im Wald”, soprano, m. 22: “Poco più presto”, with all four voices at p.

Related Terms