tempo primo
Return to the very first tempo of the piece.
In Depth
Tempo primo means first tempo — an instruction to return to the very first tempo marking of the piece, regardless of any changes that have occurred since. It is more specific than a tempo, which returns to the most recent tempo rather than necessarily the opening one. The marking is particularly useful in pieces with multiple tempo changes. After a slow middle section in a fast piece, tempo primo explicitly tells the performer to go back to the original speed of the opening. It ensures clarity when a simple a tempo might be ambiguous about which previous tempo to restore.
In Mozart's time, tempo primo was so important that failing to return to the original speed was considered a sign of an amateur performer.
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.