Looking for a metronome (and trying to find out where to find what setting is to be used for a particular piece) I found the following description of timing. How imprecise is that??
[source http://www.metronomeonline.com/)
Musical tempo refers to the pacing of a piece and is an essential element of music-making. Historically, tempi were not marked with specific BPM (beats per measure) indications. This practice has become common only since the 19th century, when the metronome was invented.
Before the metronome, tempo indications were notated in words (mostly in Italian) that also conveyed moods. In some eras and genres, musical convention has been so strong that no tempo indication would be necessary.
Nevertheless, the most commonly used Italian words are as follows:
TEMPO MARKINGS
Presto - fast
Allegro - cheerful and quickly
Moderato - moderately
Andante - walking
Adagio - slowly
Lento - very slow
QUALIFIERS
assai - very
non troppo - not too much
molto - very, as in Molto Allegro or Adagio Molto
poco - slightly, as in Poco Adagio
più - more
meno – less
MOOD INDICATORS
maestoso – majestic
sostenuto – sustained
dolce – sweetly
morendo – dying (away)
How Imprecise is Timing?
I have a piece of music that says "Slow, but with feeling." Assuming I could play it, and I played it slow but without feeling--would anyone know?
How slow is slow?
I find a lot of music is imprecise. It's not engineering.
Is it?
TwoCat
How slow is slow?
I find a lot of music is imprecise. It's not engineering.
Is it?
TwoCat
Timing notations are general indicators as you can see by the ones listed here.
Here are some rough outlines for you:
Numbers are BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Largo - 40 to 60
Larghetto - 60 to 66
Adagio -66 to 76
Andante - 76 to 108
Moderato - 108 to 120
Allegro - 120 to 168
Presto - 168 to 200
Prestissimo - 200 and up
These numbers are not set in stone. They are general guides.
As you practice the song, you will find a speed somewhere in that range that sounds good to you.
Here are some rough outlines for you:
Numbers are BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Largo - 40 to 60
Larghetto - 60 to 66
Adagio -66 to 76
Andante - 76 to 108
Moderato - 108 to 120
Allegro - 120 to 168
Presto - 168 to 200
Prestissimo - 200 and up
These numbers are not set in stone. They are general guides.
As you practice the song, you will find a speed somewhere in that range that sounds good to you.