prestissimo Definition
a direction in music to play very fast, usually faster than allegro.
Using prestissimo: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "prestissimo" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pianist played the final movement prestissimo.
Example
The tempo marking for this piece is prestissimo.
Example
The conductor signaled for the orchestra to play prestissimo.
prestissimo Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for prestissimo
- very fast
- at lightning speed
- incredibly quick
Phrases with prestissimo
as fast as possible
Example
The piece should be played prestissimo possibile.
prestissimo volando
as fast as possible and with a flying or soaring quality
Example
The final section of the piece should be played prestissimo volando.
as fast as possible and with a furious or angry quality
Example
The composer indicated that the section should be played prestissimo furioso.
Origins of prestissimo
from Italian 'prestissimo', superlative of 'presto', meaning 'quickly'
Summary: prestissimo in Brief
'Prestissimo' [preˈstisəˌmō] is an adverb used in music to indicate a very fast tempo, often faster than allegro. It is commonly used in classical music notation and performance directions, such as 'The pianist played the final movement prestissimo.' The phrase 'prestissimo possibile' means 'as fast as possible,' while 'prestissimo volando' and 'prestissimo furioso' indicate a flying or soaring quality and a furious or angry quality, respectively.
