Classical BPM Range

40 — 200 BPM

40 80 120 160 200+

Typical midpoint: 120 BPM (Allegro) — 500 ms per beat

About Classical Tempo

Classical music spans the full tempo range from 40 to 200+ BPM, utilizing Italian tempo markings like Adagio, Allegro, and Presto. Tempo changes within a single piece are common and expressive. Symphonic movements often anchor around specific markings: a typical Allegro lands at 130-145 BPM, an Adagio sits at 65-75 BPM, and a Presto pushes 180+. Period performance practice can shift these by 10-20 BPM.

Characteristics

Wide tempo variety guided by Italian markings
Dynamic tempo changes within compositions
Acoustic orchestral instrumentation
Formal compositional structures and movements

Classical Subgenre BPMs

Subgenre	BPM Range	Note
Baroque	60-160	Bach, Handel, Vivaldi era
Classical Era	80-180	Mozart, Haydn, early Beethoven
Romantic	40-200	Wider dynamic and tempo range
Modern / Contemporary	40-220	20th-21st century, often unmetered
Minimalism	100-160	Steady tempo, gradual change

Example Classical Songs and Their BPMs

Song	Artist	BPM
Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Allegro)	Mozart	138
Moonlight Sonata (Adagio)	Beethoven	60
Flight of the Bumblebee	Rimsky-Korsakov	200
Canon in D	Pachelbel	56

BPM values are approximate and may vary based on the version or remix. Use our tap tempo tool to verify any track.

Production Tip

When notating from BPM to a tempo marking, refer to our tempo markings guide. Allegro covers 120-156 BPM — a wide range that depends on context.

Want to check if your track matches the typical Classical tempo?

Use the Tap Tempo Tool