Presto assai

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as a heading, usually for a finale or scherzo, and in force until the next tempo word. In orchestral scores it appears over the woodwinds and strings and in every part.

How Composers Use It

Very fast indeed: close to prestissimo, with assai keeping the emphasis on speed rather than brilliance or excitement. At this pace players need figures that lie well under the fingers and textures light enough to be clear; anything dense will smear. If you want the extreme together with a sense of danger, Presto agitato or con fuoco adds the character that Presto assai deliberately leaves out.

Related Terms