Andantino: Meaning, Speed and Practice Tools
Andantino (A little faster than Andante) covers 85–92 BPM in the classical tempo tradition.A little faster than Andante, with a graceful character.
How fast is Andantino in BPM?
Andantino is the diminutive of Andante, running 85 to 92 BPM. It is a touch quicker and lighter, which suits graceful, skipping themes — think of the second theme of a classical sonata rather than its opening. The lift from Andante is small, but enough that the character shifts from walking to moving with purpose.
Andantino in classical music
- •Light and graceful, with a hint of momentum
- •Common as a contrasting second theme
- •Works well for staccato articulation and skipping figures
- •Often paired with leggiero or con grazia markings
- •Suits scales, arpeggios and light passagework
Famous pieces in Andantino
Piano Sonata No. 8 "Pathétique" (3rd mvt.)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1798)
A graceful Andantino finale that refuses to be heavy.
Violin Concerto No. 3 (2nd mvt.)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1775)
A skipping Andantino theme over a light accompaniment.
Symphony No. 1 "Spring" (2nd mvt.)
Franz Schubert (1831)
Warm and lilting, a classic Andantino contrast.
Try the Andantino metronome
Try Andantino here — set to 88 BPM, limited to 85–92 BPM for this marking.
How to practise at Andantino
Here the challenge changes from patience to lightness. Practise with an exaggerated staccato so the separation is obvious, then relax back toward a normal articulation. Keep the wrist loose — tension creeps in as players speed up. If you are working towards faster tempi, this is the first rung past Andante.
Related markings
Questions
How fast is Andantino?
Andantino runs from 85 to 92 BPM.
What is the difference between Andante and Andantino?
Andantino is slightly faster (85–92 BPM) and generally lighter in character than Andante (77–84 BPM).
Is Andantino the same as Andante?
No, though the names are close. Andantino is the diminutive form and sits about 8 BPM higher.
What is Andantino good for?
Light passagework, scales and graceful melodic lines — the tempo rewards relaxation rather than force.
All markings
Browse every Italian tempo marking from Larghissimo to Ultra Presto: