Piano Forum

Its one of my favourites by far but I have a hard time deciding on a tempo. The piece seems to completely change in character when it changes tempo. It says allegro moderato. But whos to say what allegro moderato is?
As long as the jumping notes (notes before you strike the main, like the first Bb before the Ab) feels smooth.
I have at least four different ways I like to play. Walking tempo seems natural.  A bit faster (allegro)  seems interesting, though it doesn't need it. Completely free form works as long as the sections are held together. Slow like andante works for me as long as the jumping notes gives it life.
I have no idea how to play it, I just know I love the song. Haven't heard many ppl play it though, just learned it trough the score. Horowitz on youtube seems to agree with the way it is sounding in my head. Maestro changes the tempo a lot but I think that his tempo should be classified as walking with a little bit of kicking gravel along the side of the road.
What are your thoughts?  I just started learning piano at a venerable age so Id really appreiate some input.