1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Piano

(accel.) accelerando

By Brandy Kraemer, About.com

An accelerando marked in sheet music.

An accelerando lasts the length of its dotted line.

Image © Brandy Kraemer
Definition: Accelerando, often seen as 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. Opposite of ritardando.
Pronunciation: ack-sel'-er-AHN-doe
Also Known As: accélérer le mouvement (Fr)
Common Misspellings: accelerrando, excelerando
Explore Piano
About.com Special Features

Use these ideas to inspire your own uniquely beautiful pages. More >

Find out how much your treasured collection is worth. More >

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Piano
  4. Glossary of Musical Terms
  5. Tempo Terms
  6. Accelerando (accel.) - Italian Musical Terms - Meaning of Accelerando

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.