"Moderate"
Moderato
108–120BPM
A moderate pace with some momentum. Comfortable and purposeful.
114BPM
108120
Range: 108–120 BPMCanonical: 114 BPM
About Moderato
Moderato means 'moderate' — it sits between the slow andante range and the fast allegro range. It's the tempo of calm purpose: not relaxed enough to feel slow, not energised enough to feel fast. Moderato is often used as a modifier (allegro moderato, andante moderato) rather than alone. As a standalone marking it sits around 108–120 BPM — comfortable for speaking or marching.
Character
- Purposeful but not rushed
- Comfortable speaking tempo
- Even, stable pulse
- Often used as a modifier
Famous examples
Chopin Ballade No.1
Chopin
Moderato
116 BPM
Beethoven Symphony No.9, 3rd mvt
Beethoven
Adagio molto e cantabile
108 BPM
Schubert String Quartet No.14
Schubert
Andante con moto
112 BPM
Debussy Clair de Lune
Debussy
Andante très expressif
108 BPM
Distinguishing from adjacent tempos
Moderato and allegro are adjacent and can overlap. Moderato stays below 120 BPM; allegro typically starts there. The character difference is energy — allegro feels lively, moderato feels measured.
All tempo markings — slowest to fastest