Troppo

As Printed on a Score

Printed almost only in non troppo or ma non troppo, after the word it limits (“Lento, ma non troppo”, “Allegro non troppo”, “accel. ma non troppo”). Its scope is that of the word it qualifies; a new tempo heading clears it.

How Composers Use It

Troppo (too much) is the working part of non troppo: it warns against exaggerating the word before it, a Lento that drags or an accelerando that runs away. Used positively it is rare and usually a rebuke (troppo forte, too loud) that belongs in rehearsal rather than in print. On scores, keep it in the standard negative forms, where its meaning is instantly clear.

Example

Chopin, Études, Op. 10 No. 3 in E major: the heading “Lento, ma non troppo”, with p and legato at the opening.

Related Terms