Sullandamento

Sull'andamento is a term used in musical notation to indicate that performers should proceed in accordance with the established tempo. The expression is Italian in origin and is used to emphasize the continuity of tempo, especially in passages where expressive timing, such as rubato, might otherwise cause the tempo to drift. In some editions the term may appear without the apostrophe as sullandamento.

Etymologically, sull'andamento combines sull' (on, upon) with andamento (tempo, movement). Literally, it can be translated as "on the tempo" or "in tempo," signaling that the music should follow the current tempo context rather than introducing new fluctuations.

Usage and context: The indication appears in scores to reinforce that the tempo should be taken from the ongoing tempo marking rather than from local rubato or tempo deviations. It is commonly found in older repertoire and in editorial notes that aim to preserve historical performance practice. In modern editions, it is less frequent, but when present, it serves to unify timing across parts and maintain coherence of the overall pace.

Relation to other tempo markings: Sull'andamento sits alongside directives such as a tempo, tempo primo, and rubato. Unlike a tempo or tempo primo, which signal a return to a defined tempo, sull'andamento emphasizes continuing with the tempo flow already established by the score or conductor, even amid expressive timing.

See also: a tempo, tempo primo, rubato, tempo marking.