Which tempo marking indicates a medium tempo?

Which tempo marking indicates a medium tempo?

• A. Marcato
• B. Moderato
• C. Molto
• D. Meno Mosso

Answer: (B)

Tempo markings tell you how fast to play. Moderato indicates a moderate pace, a middle ground between slow and fast—think of a comfortable walking tempo. That makes it the clear choice for a medium tempo. Marcato is about emphasis and articulation, not speed, so it doesn’t specify tempo. Molto means very or greatly and needs to modify another tempo marking to define speed. Meno Mosso means less motion, i.e., slower. So Moderato best communicates a medium tempo.

Tempo markings tell you how fast to play. Moderato indicates a moderate pace, a middle ground between slow and fast—think of a comfortable walking tempo. That makes it the clear choice for a medium tempo.

Marcato is about emphasis and articulation, not speed, so it doesn’t specify tempo. Molto means very or greatly and needs to modify another tempo marking to define speed. Meno Mosso means less motion, i.e., slower. So Moderato best communicates a medium tempo.