What does "Andante" indicate regarding the tempo of a piece?

The term "Andante" indicates a moderate pace in music, often understood as walking speed. The term itself derives from the Italian word "andare," meaning "to go." It typically suggests a speed that is comfortable and flowing, allowing for expressive phrasing without feeling rushed.

While the choice mentioning "slightly faster than adagio" references a relationship to another tempo marking, it does not fully encompass the essence of "Andante." "Adagio" indicates a slower tempo, while "Andante" is recognized as being faster than "Adagio" but slower than "moderato." Thus, labeling "Andante" simply as slightly faster than adagio may misrepresent its broader acceptability as a tempo. Instead, it embodies the concept of a moderate pace that many musicians interpret with a sense of graceful movement.

In performance, understanding "Andante" encourages musicians to maintain a balance between expressiveness and flow, creating an engaging musical experience without the constraints of a strict or overly fast tempo.