Andante (from Italian andare — “to walk”) literally means “walking.” This tempo feels like a natural human stride — steady but unhurried.
In classical symphonies, andante often becomes the heart of the work: the composer shares their most personal thoughts here. A classic example is the Andante from Haydn's Symphony No. 94 with its famous “Surprise” — a sudden fortissimo with which, by Haydn's own account, he meant to surprise the public with something new.
The approximate andante tempo is 76–108 beats per minute. Derived markings refine its character: andantino — a little more moving, andante cantabile — songful, andante con moto — with motion. Many of the most memorable, easily hummed melodies are written in andante, for its “walking” pulse is the closest to the natural rhythm of human breathing and stride.
