A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Piacevole

by J. A. Fuller-Maitland

PIACEVOLE, 'agreeable, pleasant.' This word, when used as a musical direction, indicates that the piece is to be played in a graceful way, without passion. It has nearly the same meaning as 'grazioso' or the direction 'con amabilità' used by Beethoven in the Pianoforte Sonata, Op. 110 (1st movement). 'Allegro piacevole' is used by him in the 3rd movement of the Sonata for piano and violin, Op. 12, No. 2; and 'piacevole' alone in the 4th variation in the slow movement of the Sonata, Op. 109. A more modern but not less well-known instance of its use is Sterndale Bennett's lovely 'Rondo Piacevole' for pianoforte solo, Op. 25.

[ J. A. F. M. ]