andante

Andante comes from the Italian andare, meaning to walk. At 76–108 BPM, it suggests a relaxed, unhurried pace — music that moves forward steadily but without haste. It is one of the most common markings for slow movements in symphonies and sonatas. There is a longstanding debate about whether andante leans toward slow or moderate. Adding modifiers shifts its meaning: andante cantabile means at a walking pace, in a singing style, while andante con moto pushes the tempo slightly forward. Understanding these nuances helps performers find the right character for each passage.