Poco andante

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as a heading, or mid-movement as a brief slowing near a close, and in force until the next tempo word — often a Tempo I or the original heading. The capital may fall on either word (Poco Andante, Poco andante).

How Composers Use It

Because andante literally means “going”, poco andante has been read both as slightly slower and as slightly more flowing than Andante; in practice it usually signals an easy, gentle walk. As a mid-movement marking it makes a moment of tender hesitation inside faster music; as a heading, Brahms and Quilter use it for unhurried songs. If the direction of the difference matters, add a metronome mark.

Example

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major, Op. 81a (“Les Adieux”), third movement (“Das Wiedersehen”), m. 177: “Poco andante”, as an sf gives way to p late in the finale.

Related Terms