Tempo and Dynamics
One Italian word at the top of the page sets the speed, a metronome number makes it exact, and a letter under the notes says how loud. Learn the tempo words from Largo to Presto, read a marking like quarter = 90, follow ritardando and accelerando, and play dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo with hairpins and accents. Then put the whole module together and read a simple lead sheet.
In this lesson you'll
- Know the six tempo words (Largo, Adagio, Andante, Moderato, Allegro, Presto), what they mean and roughly how many BPM each one is.
- Read a metronome marking (quarter = 90 means 90 beats per minute; 60 BPM is one beat per second) and follow ritardando, accelerando and a tempo.
- Read and play dynamics: pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, crescendo and diminuendo hairpins, and accents.
Music in this lesson
- Moonlight Sonata, 1st movement (Adagio sostenuto)Ludwig van Beethoven
- Symphony No. 5, 1st movement (Allegro con brio)Ludwig van Beethoven
Remember
Tempo words are Italian because Italian music led Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries; they give the character of the speed, from Largo to Presto.
Maelzel's metronome (1815) made speed exact in beats per minute, and Beethoven was one of the first major composers to add metronome markings (1817).
Dynamics run from pianissimo to fortissimo; hairpins change the level gradually and an accent leans on a single note.