Hobbies Playing Music The Meaning, Definition, and BPM of Adagio Share PINTEREST Email Print Caiaimage/Tom Merton/Getty Images Playing Music Playing Piano Tutorials Piano Chords Buying Advice Music Education Playing Guitar Home Recording By Brandy Kraemer Updated March 01, 2019 Adagio means to play slowly, calmly, and at ease, and with an average speed of around 70 BPM.* Adagio is faster than lento but slower than andante. The term adagio translates to "slowly." BPM of Adagio Adagio has a speed between 66-76 beats per minute (BPM). Though sometimes it is seen as 56-76 and 60-80. Ultimately, Adiagio is about 70 BPM. Synonyms of Adagio à l’aise; aisément (Fr) ruhig; gemächlich (Ger) Similar Commands Include adagietto - A tempo near that of adagio. However, adagietto remains somewhat ambiguous, and may be interpreted as slightly slower or faster than adagio. Traditionally, its tempo is between adagio and andante. adagissimo - A superlative of adagio (to play slower than adagio). allegro - To play in a quick, lively tempo; faster than allegretto, but slower than allegrissimo. andantino - A diminutive of andante: to play with a slow, moderate tempo; slightly faster than andante but slower than moderato. (allarg.) allargando - To "widen" or "broaden" the tempo, and create a slow rallentando that retains a full, prominent volume. allegretto - To play somewhat quickly. Allegretto is slower and slightly less lively than allegro, but faster than andante. a piacere - Indicates that liberties may be taken with certain aspects of the music, usually tempo. A piacere translates to "to your pleasure; at your will."