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Dynamics & Expression

Agitato

Pronounced ah-jee-TAH-toh

Definition

Agitato means 'agitated': play with restless, excited energy, as if the music cannot settle. It often appears with a fast tempo word, as in Presto agitato.

Agitato means "agitated" or "restless". It asks for nervous, driven energy: music that pushes forward and refuses to settle. It is usually joined to a tempo word, as in Allegro agitato or Presto agitato, and the tempo word sets the speed while agitato sets the mood.

A three-bar grand-staff example in D minor and 4/4, marked Allegro agitato and forte. In bars 1 and 2 the right hand plays an eighth rest and three rising eighth notes twice per bar, over repeated eighth notes in the left hand on D, then G and A. Bar 3 ends on an accented D minor chord and a half rest.
An original passage in D minor marked Allegro agitato and f: the right hand enters off the beat over a left hand of driving repeated eighth notes, played at ♩ = 132.

Agitato in real music

The finale of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata is marked Presto agitato: rushing arpeggios, sudden accents and loud chords that make it a storm after the calm first movement. Our Moonlight Sonata study looks at the first movement, which shows the contrast.

What makes music sound agitated

Composers usually build agitation into the notes themselves, and the word tells you to bring it out:

  • Off-beat entries and syncopation, so the beat feels unstable.
  • Repeated notes or driving accompaniment, like a racing pulse.
  • Minor keys, short phrases and sudden dynamic contrasts.

Playing agitato

  • Keep the rhythm tight and pushing; do not relax at the ends of phrases.
  • Make accents and off-beats sharp, so the restlessness is audible.
  • Stay in control. Agitato describes the music's character, not the player's. A steady pulse underneath makes the agitation sound intentional.

Compare con fuoco (with fire), appassionato (passionate) and stringendo (pressing the tempo forward). Its calm opposite is tranquillo.

Common questions

What does presto agitato mean?

Very fast and agitated: a presto tempo played with restless, excited energy. The finale of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata is the best-known example.

Practice it: free worksheets