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 on 03/01/19 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."