grave
The slowest [tempo marking](/term/tempo%20marking); very slow and solemn.
In Depth
Grave is the slowest and most solemn of all tempo markings. It calls for an extremely slow pace with a heavy, serious character — the word itself means grave or solemn in Italian. Typical metronome markings for grave fall below 40 BPM. The marking is relatively rare compared to other slow tempos like adagio or largo. When it does appear, it signals music of the utmost gravity and weight. Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata opens with a grave introduction before launching into the allegro, and the contrast between the two tempos creates powerful dramatic effect.
Grave is so rarely used as a [tempo marking](/term/tempo%20marking) that some musicians go their entire careers without encountering it in a score. When it does appear, it demands the utmost solemnity.
Related Terms
More in Tempo
Browse alla tempo
Return to the original tempo after a deviation.
accelerando
A gradual increase in tempo.
adagio
A slow, leisurely tempo, typically 66-76 BPM.
agitato
Agitated; restless and hurried in character.
alla breve
Cut time; two half-note beats per measure, giving a faster feel.
allegretto
A moderately fast tempo, slightly slower than allegro.
allegro
A fast, lively tempo, typically 120-156 BPM.
andante
A walking pace tempo, typically 76-108 BPM.