Which tempo marking is extremely fast (200 bpm and over)?

Which tempo marking is extremely fast (200 bpm and over)?

• A. Vivace
• B. Moderato
• C. Presto
• D. Prestissimo

Answer: (D)

Pushing the tempo to the extreme is signaled by a marking that means very fast, around 200 beats per minute or more. That level of speed is what Prestissimo communicates, faster than other common markings. Presto is fast but usually sits below that 200 bpm threshold, while Vivace is brisk and lively but not at the extreme pace, and Moderato sits at a comfortable, moderate speed. So for a tempo around 200 bpm and above, Prestissimo is the appropriate marking. In practice, pieces labeled Prestissimo feel exhilarating and urgent, and performers often use a metronome to stay precisely within that very fast range.

Pushing the tempo to the extreme is signaled by a marking that means very fast, around 200 beats per minute or more. That level of speed is what Prestissimo communicates, faster than other common markings. Presto is fast but usually sits below that 200 bpm threshold, while Vivace is brisk and lively but not at the extreme pace, and Moderato sits at a comfortable, moderate speed. So for a tempo around 200 bpm and above, Prestissimo is the appropriate marking. In practice, pieces labeled Prestissimo feel exhilarating and urgent, and performers often use a metronome to stay precisely within that very fast range.