Agitato: meaning and use in music

Agitato is an Italian character marking meaning agitated, restless, or excited.

IT agitato character common Support my free tools

How is agitato played?

The performer projects unrest and urgency, typically through driving rhythm, nervous accents and a forward-pressing energy. Agitato often combines with a tempo word, as in 'Allegro agitato' or 'Presto agitato', where it adds an emotional mood to the speed indication. Mendelssohn marks the Song Without Words Op. 38 No. 5 in A minor 'Agitato', and Gershwin's Concerto in F closes with an 'Allegro agitato'. The word colours both pacing and touch toward turbulence.

How does agitato sound?

The music sounds restless and turbulent, with a driving, anxious or stormy energy.

In context

Agitato is defined in standard glossaries as 'agitated'. Mendelssohn marks the Song Without Words Op. 38 No. 5 'Agitato', and the finale of Gershwin's Concerto in F is marked 'Allegro agitato'.

Music theory and score context

See also

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