Music Terminology: Tempo Definitions

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of tempo?

The melody of a piece of music.

The structure of a song.

The pace or speed at which a section of music is played. (correct)

The harmony in a musical score.

What does 'tempi' refer to?

More than one tempo.

What does BPM stand for?

Beats per minute.

What are tempo markings?

Represents a specific tempo at the beginning of a piece of music. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tempo of 'grave'?

20-40. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'largo' indicate in music?

A slow, dignified style tempo of 40-50. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'lento'.

A generally slow tempo of 40-60. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'adagio' mean?

A slow, restful tempo of 51-60. Signup and view all the answers

What tempo range does 'andante' refer to?

60-80. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'moderato'?

A tempo at a medium pace of 81-90. Signup and view all the answers

Describe 'allegretto'.

A moderately quick tempo of 91-104. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes 'allegro'?

A tempo that is happy and quick paced, 105-132. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'vivace'.

A brisk, lively tempo of 132-167. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'presto'?

A very fast tempo of 168-177. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'prestissimo' signify?

An extremely fast tempo of 178-208. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'accelerando' mean?

To speed up the tempo. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ritardando' indicate?

To slow down the tempo. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'meno mosso' mean?

Less quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'piu mosso' indicate?

More quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'rubato'?

To play expressively in the music. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tempo Basics

Tempo refers to the pace or speed at which music is performed, influencing the overall feel of a piece.
The plural form of tempo is tempi, indicating multiple tempos in musical context.

Measurement and Markings

BPM (Beats Per Minute) quantifies the speed of music, allowing musicians to communicate tempo precisely.
Tempo markings are indications provided at the start of a music piece to specify the intended speed.

Tempo Categories

Grave: Extremely slow, solemn tempo ranging from 20-40 BPM.
Largo: A slow and dignified style with a tempo of 40-50 BPM.
Lento: Generally slow tempo with a range of 40-60 BPM.
Adagio: Slow and restful tempo, typically between 51-60 BPM.
Andante: A relatively slow tempo, often set between 60-80 BPM.
Moderato: Medium-paced tempo, ranging from 81-90 BPM.
Allegretto: Moderately quick tempo, falling within 91-104 BPM.
Allegro: Happy and fast tempo, generally between 105-132 BPM.
Vivace: Brisk, lively tempo, characterized by a range of 132-167 BPM.
Presto: Very fast tempo, typically from 168-177 BPM.
Prestissimo: Extremely fast tempo, reaching speeds of 178-208 BPM.

Tempo Modifications

Accelerando: A directive to gradually increase the tempo throughout a piece.
Ritardando: Indicates a gradual slowing down of the tempo.
Meno mosso: Suggests performing less quickly.
Piu mosso: Indicates to play more quickly.
Rubato: A style where tempo can be flexible, allowing for expressive playing.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of tempo-related vocabulary in music with this quiz. From understanding basic tempo to specific markings, this set of flashcards covers key terms essential for any musician. Perfect for music students looking to enhance their terminology.