What does the term "allegro" signify in a musical composition?

The term "allegro" signifies a fast tempo in a musical composition, typically ranging from about 120 to 168 beats per minute. This tempo marking conveys a lively, brisk character that energizes the piece. In the context of musical performance, allegro often suggests not only a specific speed but also an upbeat and spirited style, encouraging performers to deliver the music with a sense of vigor and enthusiasm.

Other tempo markings that indicate different speeds help to create a varied musical landscape; for example, a medium tempo like "moderato" falls around 80-120 beats per minute, while "largo" or "adagio" denotes slower tempos, with largo being very slow and adagio typically ranging below 60 beats per minute. These contrasting definitions of tempo are crucial for musicians to interpret and convey the intended emotions and dynamics of a composition accurately.