Speeding up; a directive to gradually increase the tempo, often used to build excitement, drive momentum, or transition to a faster section.
Accelerando (often abbreviated as accel.) is an Italian term meaning "speeding up." It is a tempo marking that instructs the performer to gradually increase the speed of the music. Unlike a sudden jump to a faster tempo (like subito allegro), accelerando is a process of acceleration. It is a powerful expressive tool used to create a sense of urgency, excitement, or forward momentum, often leading into a faster section or a climactic moment.
In notation, accelerando is written above the staff, often accompanied by a dashed line indicating the duration of the speed-up. It can occur over a few bars or an entire section. The goal is to make the speeding up feel natural and driven, not frantic or out of control. It often leads into a new, faster tempo marking or a return to a previously established speed.
Musically, accelerando is defined by the gradual increase of the pulse. The performer must speed up smoothly, ensuring that the rhythm remains tight and the articulation stays clear. It is not a "rush" where the time gets lost; rather, it is a controlled gathering of energy. The rate of acceleration can vary: it can be a gentle creep over several measures or a rapid surge in the final bars.
The challenge lies in maintaining precision while the tempo changes. If the speeding up is too erratic, it can sound messy. If it is too slow, it can lose its impact. True accelerando feels like a car gently pressing the gas pedal to gain speed. It requires the performer to have a strong internal sense of pulse to guide the acceleration without losing the beat.
Accelerando is ubiquitous in all genres of Western music. In Classical and Romantic repertoire, it is frequently used to build tension before a climax, or to transition from a slow introduction to a fast main section. In opera, it often marks a moment of rising panic or excitement. In jazz, it is used to drive the groove faster for a solo or a final tag. In rock and pop, it is common in buildups to create a sense of anticipation before a drop or chorus.
Composers use accel. to manipulate the listener's perception of time and energy. A well-executed accelerando can make a passage feel like it is flying, while a poorly executed one can sound like a mistake. It is often paired with ritardando (slowing down) to create dynamic contrast and shape the overall musical arc.
To play a healthy accelerando, think of it as a "controlled surge." Do not just speed up randomly; plan the rate of acceleration. For singers and wind players, maintain the breath support and air speed even as the tempo increases, ensuring the pitch doesn't sharpen unintentionally. For strings, keep the bow speed increasing smoothly to match the faster pulse, maintaining clear articulation. For pianists, use a lighter touch and faster finger action to keep up with the speed without losing clarity.
Listen to recordings of great performances to hear how masters handle the accel.. Notice how the music seems to "gather speed" without losing its shape. In ensemble playing, communication is vital; everyone must speed up at the same rate. If one section accelerates faster than another, the harmony will blur. True accelerando feels like a unified, energetic rush that propels the music forward.