Which term means return to the original speed?

• A. A tempo
• B. Sforzando
• C. Marcato
• D. Legato

Answer: (A)

Returning to the original speed after a tempo change is the idea here. When a section slows down or speeds up, musicians need a clear cue to resume the pace they started with, and the instruction a tempo tells them to do just that—go back to the established tempo. It’s Italian for “in time” and specifically signals returning to the original speed after deviations such as ritardando or accelerando.

The other terms describe how notes are played rather than how fast they’re played: sforzando is a sudden strong accent, marcato means played with noticeable emphasis, and legato indicates a smooth, connected style. None of these indicate a tempo change, which is why a tempo is the best fit for “return to the original speed.”