Tempo Literally translates to time The speed or pace of the music How fast the music should feel Usually found at beginning of a piece or section Metronome marking in BPM ( ♩ =120) Descriptive word/phrase (Allegro) Found in different languages Italian is common
History Tempo has not always been indicated Before tempo was notated, it was understood Musical forms, genres, or moods determined tempo Minuet = moderate Scherzo = fast Ballad = slow Baroque period is when tempo markings began to be used regularly
Beats Per Minute (BPM) Number of beats within a minute Notated ♩ =“number” ♪ = “number” or any other note length= “number” Gives an exact tempo Used as guideline
Basic Tempo Markings Adagio Slow and stately BPM Andante Walking pace BPM Largo Very slow BPM
Basic Tempo Markings Allegro Fast, quickly BPM Presto Very fast BPM Moderato Moderately BPM
Largo Very slow
Adagio Slow and stately
Andante Walking speed
Moderato Moderately
Allegro Fast, quickly
Presto Very fast
Review Questions 1. Define tempo. 2. What does BPM stand for? 3. Where is the tempo marking found in music? 4. How many basic tempo markings are in this power point? 5. List them from slowest to fastest.