Mus. [It. vivace brisk, lively:—L. vīvāc-, vīvāx: see next.] A direction indicating brisk or lively performance (see quots.).
1683. Purcell, 3-Pt. Sonnatas, To Rdr. (1893), Allegro, and Vivace [import] a very brisk, swift or fast movement.
1724. Short Explic. For. Wds. in Mus. Bks., Vivace, is as much as to say with Life and Spirit. By this Word is commonly understood a Degree of Movement between Largo and Allegro, but more inclining to the latter than the former.
1801. Busby, Dict. Mus., Vivace, a word implying that the movement to which it is prefixed is to be sung, or played, in a brisk and animated style.
1889. Grove’s Dict. Mus., s.v., The Vivace in the latter case would imply an absence of passion or excitement, an even rate of speed, and a bright and cheerful character.
