a piacere - Italian Musical Terms

Definition: The Italian musical phrase a piacere indicates that some aspects of a song – such as tempo or dynamics – may be decided by the performer; lit. “to your pleasure/at will.”

See rubato.

Also Known As:

ad libitum (Latin)
a piacimento; a bene placito (It)
à plaisir; à volonté (Fr)
nach Gefallen; nach Belieben; frei im Vortrag (Ger)

Pronunciation: R More Italian Musical Terms:

(rall.) rallentando
(M.S.) mano sinistra
tempo primo
a tempo di menuetto
allegro