One of the first things you'll see on a piece of music is how you should sing it - the expession marks. As with most things in music this will tend to be in a language other than the one you use so here are some (but definitely not all) of the expressions you may see:
Adagio |
In a slow tempo, usually considered to be slower than andante but faster than larghetto |
Allegretto |
In a moderately quick tempo, usually considered to be slightly slower than allegro but faster than andante. |
Allegro |
In a quick, lively tempo, usually considered to be faster than allegretto but slower than presto |
Andante |
In a moderately slow tempo, usually considered to be slower than allegretto but faster than adagio |
Bewegt |
With movement |
Con brio |
With great energy; vigorously |
Con moto |
With movement |
Entrainant |
Lively, vigorous, dashing |
Grave |
Dignified and somber |
Langsam |
Slow |
Larghetto |
In a slow tempo, usually slightly faster than largo but slower than adagio |
Largo |
In a very slow tempo, usually considered to be slower than adagio, and with great dignity |
Lebhaft |
Lively |
Lento |
In a slow tempo |
Maestoso |
In a majestic and stately manner |
Mässig |
Moderately Moderato In moderate tempo that is slower than allegretto but faster than andante |
Prestissimo |
In as fast a tempo as possible |
Presto |
Fast Schnell Fast |
Vivace |
In a lively or vivacious manner |
Vivo |
Lively |
