Larghissimo tempo (20–24 BPM)
Larghissimo is an Italian tempo marking meaning “as broadly as possible”, usually about 20–24 beats per minute. The metronome below is set to 22 BPM.
Larghissimo
Space start/stop · ↑ ↓ ±1 BPM · Shift ±10 · T tap
Speed trainer
Practice timer
- 20–24BPM (approx.)
- 22metronome preset
- 2727 msper beat at 22
What does Larghissimo mean?
Larghissimo is the slowest of the traditional Italian tempo markings — slower than Grave and Largo, typically 24 BPM or less. It is rare in printed scores; when you see it, the composer wants time to almost stand still, with every note given its full weight.
Origin: Superlative of largo ("broad").
How fast is Larghissimo?
On most modern metronomes Larghissimo covers roughly 20–24 BPM — that is a beat every 2500–3000 ms. The BPM refers to the beat of the time signature (a quarter note in 4/4, a dotted quarter in 6/8 when it is felt in two). Try a few tempos within the range: 20 BPM, 22 BPM, 24 BPM.
Famous examples
- Rarely printed in standard repertoire
- Used in some contemporary and minimalist works to indicate an extremely stretched pulse
Practice tips for Larghissimo
- Most mechanical metronomes stop at 40 BPM; a digital metronome lets you go down to 20.
- Turn on eighth or sixteenth subdivisions so the gap between beats does not swallow your sense of time.
- Think of long, connected phrases rather than individual clicks.
All tempo markings
| Marking | Meaning | Approx. BPM |
|---|---|---|
| Larghissimo | as broadly as possible | 20–24 |
| Grave | grave, solemn, heavy | 25–45 |
| Largo | broad, wide | 40–60 |
| Lento | slow | 45–60 |
| Larghetto | rather broadly | 60–66 |
| Adagio | at ease, slowly | 66–76 |
| Andante | walking pace | 76–108 |
| Moderato | moderately | 108–120 |
| Allegretto | moderately fast, a little lively | 112–120 |
| Allegro | fast, lively, cheerful | 120–156 |
| Vivace | lively, vivacious | 156–176 |
| Presto | very fast, quickly | 168–200 |
| Prestissimo | as fast as possible | 200+ |
Faster: Grave · Read the full tempo markings guide.
FAQ
What BPM is Larghissimo?
Larghissimo is usually played at about 20–24 BPM on a modern metronome. Ranges differ between sources and editions, and the music itself matters, so treat it as a guide.
What does Larghissimo mean?
Larghissimo is Italian for "as broadly as possible". Superlative of largo ("broad").
Is Larghissimo fast or slow?
Larghissimo is a slow tempo, slower than Grave.