Which marking indicates to accelerate; gradually faster?

Which marking indicates to accelerate; gradually faster?

• A. Ritardando
• B. Moderato
• C. Accelerando
• D. Fermata

Answer: (C)

Accelerando marks a gradual increase in speed through a passage, so you steadily push the tempo faster as you play. It creates momentum and can lead into a faster section or a new tempo later on, without an abrupt change. The other signs do different things: ritardando means to slow down gradually, which relaxes the pace; moderato is simply a moderate speed to start with or maintain; and a fermata means to hold a note or rest longer, effectively pausing the beat rather than changing its speed.

Accelerando marks a gradual increase in speed through a passage, so you steadily push the tempo faster as you play. It creates momentum and can lead into a faster section or a new tempo later on, without an abrupt change. The other signs do different things: ritardando means to slow down gradually, which relaxes the pace; moderato is simply a moderate speed to start with or maintain; and a fermata means to hold a note or rest longer, effectively pausing the beat rather than changing its speed.