Poco più mosso

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff where the slightly quicker tempo begins, usually at a new section or theme; it lasts until a tempo, Tempo I or another tempo word. Un poco più mosso is the same instruction.

Also spelled: poco piu mosso, Un poco più mosso, un poco piu mosso

How Composers Use It

The mildest step up in tempo — enough to give a new section fresh momentum without sounding like a different piece. It suits middle sections that should flow on from what came before, and returns of a theme that need a little more urgency the second time. Because the change is small, it works best at a clear sectional boundary where the ear expects something new.

Example

Chopin, Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60, m. 35: “Poco più mosso”, entering pp straight after a “rallent.” in the previous bar.

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