Tempo

:This article is about tempo in music. For tempo in chess, see Tempo (chess).

Tempo markings in other languages

Although Italian has been the prevalent language for tempo markings throughout most of classical music history, many composers have written tempo indications in their own language.

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French tempo markings

French baroque composers such as for example François Couperin and Jean-Philippe Rameau used French tempo indications. Common tempo markings in French are:

Related Topics:
French - Baroque - François Couperin - Jean-Philippe Rameau - French

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• Grave - slowly and solemnly
• Lent - slowly
• Modéré - at a moderate tempo
• Vif - lively
• Vite - fast

German tempo markings

Many composers have used German tempo markings. Typical German tempo markings are:

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• Langsam - slowly
• Mäßig - moderately
• Lebhaft - lively (mood)
• Rasch - quickly
• Schnell - fast

One of the first German composers to use tempo markings in his native language was Ludwig van Beethoven. The one using the most elaborate combined tempo and mood markings was probably Gustav Mahler (sometimes even mixing German with Italian tempo indications): e.g. 2nd movement of his 9th symphony: Im tempo eines gemächlichen Ländlers, etwas täppisch und sehr derb, indicating a folk-dance-like movement, with some vulgarity in the execution.

Related Topics:
Ludwig van Beethoven - Gustav Mahler - Movement - 9th symphony

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Tempo markings in English

English indications, for example quickly, have also been used, by Benjamin Britten, amongst many others. In jazz and popular music charts, terms like "fast", "laid back", "steady rock", "medium", "medium-up", "ballad", and similar style indications.

Related Topics:
English - Benjamin Britten - Jazz - Popular music

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