Italian Terms
affettuoso
tenderly
alla breve
with a minim beat, equivalent to 2 2 time, implying a faster tempo than the note values might otherwise suggest
amabile
amiable, pleasant
appassionato
with passion
assai
very
come prima
as before
comodo, tempo comodo
convenient, at a comfortable speed
con brio
with vigour, lively
deciso
with determination
larghetto
slower than Andante, but not as slow as largo
mesto
sad
misterioso
mysteriously
ritmico
rhythmically
rubato, tempo rubato
with some freedom of time
stringendo
gradually getting faster
French terms
animé
animated, lively
douce
sweet
lent
slow
modéré
at a moderate speed
retenu
held back
vite
quick