Tranquillo

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the staff as a heading or mid-movement — Tranquillo, Andante tranquillo, più tranquillo, sempre più tranquillo — often after a climax. It usually brings a slight easing of tempo as well as mood and lasts until a new tempo or character word.

How Composers Use It

Tranquillo asks for music that is completely at peace — no tension, no urgency, no drama. Use it after turbulent passages to create contrast, or for pastoral scenes and moments of resolution.

Example

Brahms, Symphony No. 2 in D major, fourth movement (Allegro con spirito), flute 1, m. 206: “Tranquillo” at p, deepened fifteen bars later to “Sempre più tranquillo”.

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