prestissimo

[ pre-stis-uh-moh; Italian pre-stees-see-maw ]

adverb

1. (a musical direction) in the most rapid tempo.

prestissimo

/ prɛˈstɪsɪˌməʊ /

adjective

1. to be played as fast as possible

noun

1. a piece or passage directed to be played in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestissimo¹

1715–25; < Italian: most quickly, superlative of presto presto

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestissimo¹

C18: from Italian: very quickly, from presto fast

Example Sentences

Its prestissimo tempo, though, raises the question of who might be its ideal readers.

From Washington Post

In any case, Dusty introduces a new note to the proceedings, which until her arrival seem, in Susan Stroman’s prestissimo production, at least loosely tied to reality.

From New York Times

“You don’t want largo and lethargic,” she added, “and you don’t get prestissimo because that will make people feel more rushed than they already feel.”

From New York Times

The second movement has a middle section usually played “prestissimo,” as fast as possible, when in fact Tchaikovsky wanted a less frenetic “allegro vivace.”

From Washington Post

None of these three offered the bewildering feats of prestissimo coloratura footwork that are now a celebrated feature of the dancing of Gabriel Missé, but there is room in the world for all of them.

From New York Times