Andante is a musical term that indicates a moderate tempo, generally interpreted as being at a walking pace. In Italian, the word ‘andante’ comes from the verb ‘andare,’ which means ‘to go.’ In the context of music, when a piece is marked ‘andante,’ it suggests that the musician should play it at a speed that is neither too fast nor too slow, creating a sense of calm and relaxed movement.
In practice, an andante tempo typically ranges from about 76 to 108 beats per minute. It is often used in various forms of music, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, to convey a lyrical and flowing character. Understanding and recognizing the term andante can help musicians interpret a piece more accurately and convey the intended emotional quality.