leggiero
Light and delicate in style.
In Depth
Leggiero (sometimes spelled leggero) means light and delicate. It calls for a nimble, airy touch — notes should sound effortless and weightless, as if barely touching the instrument. The marking affects both technique and character. On the piano, leggiero passages typically involve fast, light fingerwork with minimal arm weight. For string players, it suggests a lighter bow pressure and faster bow speed. The marking appears frequently in Mozart, Mendelssohn, and other composers who valued clarity and elegance. It is the opposite of pesante (heavy).
Mendelssohn's fairy music, particularly the Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream, set the standard for orchestral leggiero playing — so light it seems to float above the stage.
Related Terms
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Browse alldoppio movimento
Twice as fast as the preceding tempo.
presto
A very fast tempo, typically 168-200 BPM.
a tempo
Return to the original tempo after a deviation.
BPM
Beats per minute; the standard measurement of tempo in modern music.
meno
An Italian musical direction meaning "less," used to modify other tempo or dynamic markings.
animato
With spirit; in an animated, lively manner.
alla breve
Cut time; two half-note beats per measure, giving a faster feel.
tempo rubato
Flexible tempo where notes are slightly lengthened or shortened for expression.