Basics of Sound: Element 2 - Tempo

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​The numbers on the metronome show the BPM (beats per minute). Sheet music will sometimes give an exact bpm. Often an Italian temp term will be given instead (like allegro). Sometimes both a term and a bpm are give.

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​Allegro means 'fast and lively'. It can be anywhere from 120 - 168 BPM

Listen to the following examples to hear songs at different​ Allegro BPMs.

​68 BPM

​66 BPM

​Adagio means 'slow'. It can be anywhere from 66-76 BPM

Listen to the following examples to hear songs at different​ Adagio BPMs.

​Rallentando means to gradually slow down (in the music).

​Example:

​Example:

​Accelerando means to gradually speed up (in the music).

​Sanju Sahai - performing on the tabla an ancient instrument from India. Listen as he slowly gets faster and faster. This song is supposed to represent a train.

​Largo - very Slow (40-60 BPM)

Andante - Walking Pace (76-108 BPM)​

Moderato - medium fast (108-120 BPM)

Presto - Very Fast (168-200 BPM)​

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