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
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.