LISTEN Audio Instructions
Need ideas for easy and fun at-home music learning? Here's our YourClassical Music Lesson.
Today we will learn a word that describes super fast music – presto!
Target age range: K-6
1. Tempo is the word we use to describe the speed of music. Every speed, fast, and slow, and in between, has its own word, or tempo marking. Today we will talk about very, very fast music. When musicians see "presto" on their music, they know they will need to play extremely fast.
2. Here are five things moving fast. Can you name them all? Can you think of more things that move super fast? Can you imagine music going along with each of these images? How fast would it sound?
3. Now we will listen to five pieces of music, all of which are marked "presto." As you listen, maybe you want to draw fast-moving pictures, or see if you can move to the speed or tempo of the music.
4. First is Presto, from "Summer", part of Vivaldi's famous composition called The Four Seasons.
5. Next is the third movement of J. S. Bach's Italian Concerto, marked "Presto." In this video, we don't see the performer's fingers. Can you imagine how fast they are moving?
6. Here is the third movement of Beethoven's Symphony 7. The tempo is marked presto. Does it sound as fast as the other two pieces? Sometimes composers have slightly different ideas about exactly how fast presto should be.
7.Here is Dance of the Comedians from the Bedrich Smetana's opera The Bartered Bride. Can you imagine dancing this fast? Try it while you listen.
8.Finally, listen to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight of the Bumblebee, played on the flute. Do flute player's fingers move as fast as a flying bumblebee?
Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
Your Donation
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment‘s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
