andatura

Andatura is an Italian noun that refers to pace or gait—the manner and speed of movement, whether of a person, animal, or a mechanical system. In everyday language it can describe how someone moves (a slow or brisk gait), while in technical contexts it denotes the overall speed and rhythm of movement.

Etymology and usage. The term derives from andare, “to go,” with the suffix -atura forming a noun that indicates a state or process. In Italian, andatura broadened from general movement into specialized uses in music and biomechanics.

In music. Andatura is used to indicate tempo and the character or feel of a passage. It encompasses both speed and the stylistic quality of the music. Scores may refer to a movement’s andatura or describe it with phrases such as “andatura lenta” or “andatura sostenuta,” signaling how fast and how the music should be perceived, beyond a strict metronomic tempo. While common in Italian-language scores and writings, its specific appearance varies across periods and composers.

In gait and locomotion. In medical, sports, and biomechanical contexts, andatura describes gait speed and cadence—the rate at which steps are taken and the overall pace of walking or running. Clinicians and researchers assess andatura to evaluate locomotor function, endurance, and energy cost, using terms like leisurely, moderate, or brisk and measuring parameters such as speed, step length, and steps per minute.

See also. Tempo, gait, cadence, and movement terminology.

Note: The term is primarily used in Italian-language contexts, with broader adoption in musicology and biomechanics.