The Definition of the Italian Music Command Accelerando

Accelerando in piano music.
Image © Brandy Kraemer, 2015

The Italian musical command accelerando (often abbreviated accel.) is an indication to gradually increase the tempo of a song until otherwise noted:

  • The duration of an accelerando is marked by a dashed, horizontal line.
  • An accelerando with no dashed line may be terminated with commands such as tempo primo or tempo comodo.
  • Opposite of ritardando.

Also Known As:

Pronunciation:

  • ack-sel'-er-AHN-doh