Tempo Indication: Non Allegro

I would reflect on the themes of the composition of the symphonic dances, three compositions that in their original form were named, respectively:

- Morning: Non allegro;
- Noon: Andante con moto-tempo di valzer;
- Evening: Lento assai. Allegro vivace.

Have you tried comparing multiple pieces? If it were a tempo indication like Allegro but not too much, then the different pieces could have the "same" speed. I seem to remember that in the nineteenth century, however, they also used to include descriptions related to the emotion and character of the piece.

I have never encountered this indication! Personally, I believe that rather than the tempo, it refers more to the character you must give to the piece. Usually, the metronomic tempo is understood from the character of the piece, the structure, how the melody proceeds, etc., rather than from these indications. Usually, my teacher left me quite free regarding the choice of the metronomic tempo.

Let's wait for a more expert response

I would like to take a look at the score, which work in particular are you interested in?

It is found in both the Symphonic Dances and Sonata No. 2, it's a curiosity I found... I am not studying either of them

In a sense, I would say that "non allegro" is intended more as an indication of spirit of the piece, rather than as a tempo indication.

I agree with this last hypothesis. In my opinion, one must learn to rely on the character of the piece. Our "feeling" will cause the choice of tempo to fluctuate more or less, albeit within certain limits

My thought was that it was also linked to the "soul" of the piece.. but I wasn't entirely convinced, which is why I wrote here on the forum

You know, I have come to realize one thing: there is only one speed in music and it corresponds to our breath! What heresy: the sixteenth note of a largo is one thing, the sixteenth note of a Chopin scherzo is another. It's true!!! But then what changes? The quantity of notes within a single breath changes. But the breath is ours and no one can impose it on us, not even when a composer of Beethoven's caliber imposes it, probably to give us an idea. When I write something, I can never express exactly 100% the concept in my head; let alone when composing a musical piece!!!