What does the term 'moderato' refer to in musical tempo?

The term 'moderato' in musical tempo indicates a moderate pace. It serves as a guideline for the performer, suggesting that the music should be played at a tempo that is neither too fast nor too slow, allowing for a balanced interpretation of the piece. This tempo is typically in the range of 108 to 120 beats per minute, making it a comfortable speed for both the performer and the listener.

Understanding 'moderato' is essential for musicians as it helps maintain the intended expressiveness of the music, which can be lost if played too quickly or too slowly. This contrasts with other tempo markings, such as 'allegro' for fast or 'lento' for slow, which explicitly denote specific rates of speed. Thus, the definition of 'moderato' firmly establishes its role as a midpoint in the spectrum of musical tempos.