Quasi allegretto

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as a heading, or after another tempo word — Andantino quasi Allegretto — where it points that word toward a lighter pace. It remains in force until the next tempo word.

How Composers Use It

Nearly allegretto: a light, easy pace with an Allegretto’s lilt but a little restraint. As a heading it suits songs and character pieces whose motion should feel natural rather than measured; added to Andantino it tells the performer which way to read that ambiguous word. Since the meaning is approximate, add a metronome mark when the difference from a plain Allegretto matters.

Example

Warlock, “There is a lady sweet and kind”, voice, m. 1: “Quasi Allegretto”.

Related Terms