In music, the term andante con moto is an Italian phrase that translates to “walking with motion.” It is used as a tempo marking to indicate the speed at which a piece of music should be played. Specifically, andante suggests a moderate tempo, typically around 76 to 108 beats per minute, which is often described as a walking pace. The addition of con moto, meaning “with motion,” implies that the music should have a sense of movement and flow, slightly faster than a plain andante.
When a composer uses andante con moto, they are instructing the performer to play the piece at a moderate tempo but with a lively and flowing character. This tempo marking is commonly found in classical music and can be applied to various genres and styles. It helps convey the emotional and expressive qualities of the music, ensuring that the performer captures the intended mood and pace.