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Dynamics & Expression

Tranquillo

Pronounced trahn-KWEEL-loh

Definition

Tranquillo means 'calmly' or 'tranquilly': play in a peaceful, unhurried way, with an even, gentle tone and no sense of pressure. It often marks a quiet section after something more active.

Tranquillo means "calm" or "tranquil". It asks for peace: an unhurried tempo, an even and gentle tone, smooth phrasing and no sense of pressure or urgency. Note the Italian spelling with a double l. It appears as an expression word below the staff or as part of a tempo heading, such as Andante tranquillo.

A four-bar grand-staff example in C major and 3/4, marked p tranquillo. The right hand plays a dotted half-note E, then D, E, F, then a half-note E and quarter-note D, and a dotted half-note C; the left hand plays rising broken chords in quarter notes and a held C and G.
An original four-bar phrase in C major marked p tranquillo: a slow, even melody over gently rising broken chords, played at ♩ = 66.

Where you find it

Composers often use tranquillo for a calm middle section after a more active passage, or for a peaceful closing. It suits slow harmonies, long notes and gentle accompaniment patterns. Because it describes mood, it can appear at any tempo: an Allegretto tranquillo is easy-going and relaxed, not slow.

Playing tranquillo

  • Steady and unhurried. Calm music needs a secure, even pulse; rushing destroys the effect immediately.
  • Smooth connections. Play legato, pedal cleanly with each harmony (see The Damper Pedal), and keep the accompaniment quieter than the melody, as Voicing and Balance explains.
  • Gentle dynamics. Shape phrases with small swells rather than big contrasts.
  • Relaxed body. Tension in the arms and shoulders shows up in the sound. Breathe with the phrases.

Related words

Dolce (sweet) and cantabile (singing) often go with tranquillo. Calmato and calmando (calmed, calming down) are close relatives. The opposites are agitato (restless) and animato (animated).

Common questions

What does tranquillo mean in music?

Calmly: play in a peaceful, unhurried way, with a smooth, even and gentle sound.

Practice it: free worksheets