Allegro molto is a musical term used to indicate a very fast tempo. In the context of musical notation, ‘Allegro’ generally translates to a lively and brisk pace, while ‘molto’ means ‘very’ in Italian. Therefore, when combined, ‘allegro molto’ directs the performer to play the piece significantly faster than regular allegro, often conveying a sense of excitement and energy in the music.
In terms of metronome marking, allegro typically falls within the range of 120 to 168 beats per minute. When ‘molto’ is added, it suggests the tempo might approach the higher end of that range, or even exceed it, creating an exhilarating listening experience. Musicians might encounter this term in various compositions, and it serves as an instruction to infuse their playing with a sense of urgency and vivacity.