Accelerando

Accelerando (Italian for "hastening") is a musical term instructing the performer to gradually increase the tempo of a piece of music. It indicates a progressive speeding up, building excitement and tension within the music. This change is typically smooth and not sudden, contributing to a sense of forward momentum. The effect is achieved by shortening the duration between each note, and it creates a sense of urgency or excitement, often leading to a climax or a transition to a new section. Proper execution involves a careful and controlled increase in speed, maintaining clarity and precision.

Accelerando meaning with examples

• The pianist began the piece with a somber adagio, but as the music progressed, the composer marked an accelerando, pushing the tempo faster. The increasing pace built anticipation for the upcoming dramatic passage. The musician followed the markings and achieved the desired effect. The transition, carefully executed, was flawless, reflecting the musician's skill and artistry.
• In the second movement, a series of rapid arpeggios were punctuated by an accelerando. This gave the impression of increasing speed toward the end, which caused the music to surge forward like a gathering storm. The conductor ensured all sections were in sync to achieve the effect the composer intended, building suspense.
• The cellist interpreted the accelerando marked in the score as a signal to increase the tempo. The performer did so, drawing listeners into the music as the melody grew faster, generating energy. This increase in speed was sustained as the piece moved to its final passage.
• As the music built to its crescendo, the composer included an accelerando just before the climax. This quickening tempo increased the tension and brought the composition to its finale. The effect was intense and powerful, leaving the audience exhilarated. This was followed by an abrupt *ritardando* to create tension.