prestissimo in music

Meanings

1. 1adverbtechnicalmusic

   Played as fast as possible, faster than presto; a direction written above the notes.

   Grammar: An Italian musical direction; it tells the performer how fast to play, not what to play.

   Patterns

   • play prestissimo
   • marked prestissimo

   The final movement is marked prestissimo, so the orchestra raced to the end.

   She practiced the passage prestissimo until her fingers ached.

   The conductor asked for prestissimo in the last eight bars.

2. 2nouncountabletechnicalmusic

   A passage or movement that is played at the fastest possible speed.

   Grammar: Countable when it refers to a particular fast section or movement.

   Patterns

   • a prestissimo
   • the prestissimo

   The prestissimo at the end of the symphony is thrilling.

   He found the prestissimo difficult to keep steady.

   The pianist slowed slightly during the prestissimo.

Common combinations

marked prestissimo

The score is marked prestissimo at the top of the page.

play prestissimo

The strings must play prestissimo without losing control.

a thrilling prestissimo

The symphony ends with a thrilling prestissimo.

Synonyms and how they differ

presto

Presto means very fast, but prestissimo is even faster, so use presto for a slightly slower tempo.

vivacissimo

Vivacissimo means very lively and fast, but it stresses energy rather than pure speed.

Opposites

Word family

presto adverb

A musical direction meaning very fast.

prestissimo adverb

The fastest common tempo marking, faster than presto.

Commonly confused: prestissimo in music or presto?

Practice

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