Largo tempo (40–60 BPM)

• 40–60BPM (approx.)
• 50metronome preset
• 1200 msper beat at 50

What does Largo mean?

Largo means broadly — slow, with a sense of space and grandeur, generally 40–60 BPM. It is slower than Larghetto and Adagio and is one of the most common markings for slow movements in symphonies and sonatas.

Origin: From Latin largus ("abundant, broad").

How fast is Largo?

On most modern metronomes Largo covers roughly 40–60 BPM — that is a beat every 1000–1500 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: 40 BPM, 50 BPM, 60 BPM.

Famous examples

• Dvořák, Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" — the 2nd movement Largo
• Chopin, Prelude in E minor, Op. 28 No. 4 — marked Largo

Practice tips for Largo

• Use eighth-note subdivisions to feel the inner pulse of long notes.
• Shape phrases over four or eight bars rather than beat by beat.
• Record yourself: at Largo tempos it is easy to drift faster without noticing.

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+

Slower: Grave · Faster: Lento · Read the full tempo markings guide.

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