What is vivo in music?

Vivo in music is a direction or marking which indicates that the musical passage or piece should be played in a particularly lively, animated, and brisk manner. It is often considered a higher level of fastness than allegro.

The Italian term "vivo" translates directly to "alive" or "lively" and is commonly used in musical scores and performances to create a sense of vibrant and energetic expression. It is often employed to depict movement, energy, and lightness, and can sometimes add a playful quality to the music.

This musical marking requires musicians to play with a certain zestfulness, alertness, and agility to capture the essence of lively expression associated with "vivo." It can influence aspects such as tempo, articulation, and overall character of the musical piece.