Since we all are pretty well aware of speeds when it comes to walking or running, you can think of the beats per minute in comparison to this. You may see any number of different tempo descriptions written, but it is always important to pay attention for it will help you convey the correct feeling and tempo for the song.Ī simple way to tell how fast or slow you should play a song is by comparing it to walking or running. This not only helps the player to know how fast to play, it also sets the tone for the song. In this case, Beethoven sets the tempo as a “poco moto” meaning “little bike”.
So although you will mostly see the same tempos for most songs, the composer is at liberty to describe a tempo in however he/she desires. In the original composition of Fur Elise, Beethoven sets a tempo that is not typically seen. If tempos change, a new tempo will be written above the measure in which it should be played. You will often find a tempo written at the beginning of a piece of music at the top left, right at your first measure. Tempo, meaning “time” in Italian, tells you how fast or slow a song is supposed to be played. It’s a common musical term, so let’s take a closer look at it.
Tempo is a term you may hear in other musical contexts as well.
Either way, simply resume the speed you were at in the song before you changed the speed with a ritard or an accelerando. in Beethoven’s Fur Elise.Ī tempo can be written after a song is supposed to speed up as well (often written as accelerando). Check out this example of “a tempo” after a rit.