Tempo secondo

As Printed on a Score

Usually printed as Tempo II above the staff, marking a return to the second tempo the piece has established, typically after an intervening section; it lasts until the next tempo word. A reader has to look back to find which earlier heading counts as the second tempo.

Abbreviations: Tempo II

How Composers Use It

Useful in sectional forms where two tempi alternate — a slow introduction and a fast main section, or a dance with a faster second strain — because it restores an earlier speed without restating the word. It depends on the performer counting tempi correctly, so it is clearest when the piece has only two or three distinct headings. If there is any doubt, restate the tempo word or add a metronome mark.

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