Très animé

As Printed on a Score

A tempo heading printed above the first system or at a new section, in force until the next tempo word. In French scores it is the fast end of the animé family (un peu animé, assez animé, animé, très animé).

Also spelled: tres anime

How Composers Use It

Very animated: fast and full of energy, close to Allegro molto or Vivace in Italian terms. Because animé implies excitement as well as speed, très animé suits finales and climaxes where the music should feel driven. Make sure the texture can stay clear at that pace; if lightness matters more than drive, très vif or a word such as léger is the better choice.

Example

Debussy, Sonata for Violin and Piano, third movement (Finale): “Très animé” heads the movement.

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