nopeatempoista

Nopeatempoista is a Finnish-language adjective used in music criticism and analysis to describe music that is performed at a fast tempo or in passages that are notably quick. The term translates roughly as “fast-tempo” and is used descriptively rather than as a formal tempo marking. It can apply to an entire piece with a generally rapid pace, or to particular sections within a movement or song, such as transitions, finales, or cadenzas, where the tempo remains brisk.

In practice, nopeatempoista corresponds to conventional tempo markings like allegro, vivace, or presto, and may be used alongside more specific indications. It is often employed to convey the character of music whose tempo is fast even if the exact marking varies between scores or performances.

Etymology and usage notes: The word derives from the Finnish word nopea meaning fast, combined with tempo, and inflected to form the descriptive phrase nopeatempoista. It is not a technical term with a strict BPM range, but a qualitative descriptor common in Finnish-language music writings. The term helps distinguish brisk, energetic passages from slower or more moderate sections within a larger work.

See also: Tempo, tempo markings, Finnish music terminology, allegro, presto.