Tempo
Hannah Hill
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Music Theory study guide covers tempo, including its expressive role alongside dynamics and articulation. It details common Italian tempo markings (e.g., Grave, Allegro, Presto) with their associated moods and BPM ranges. The guide also explains tempo changes like ritardando, accelerando, and rubato. Finally, it provides practice questions covering tempo identification and analysis in musical contexts.
#AP Music Theory: Tempo - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🎶
Hey there, future music maestro! Let's dive into the world of tempo, a crucial element for your AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially for that last-minute review. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace this!
#Expressive Elements: The Heart of Music
Without expressive elements, music would be pretty bland. These elements—dynamics, articulation, and, of course, tempo—bring music to life. We're focusing on tempo here, but remember how they all work together!
#Tempo: The Speed of Music
Tempo is the speed of the beat in music, usually measured in beats per minute (BPM). It's like the heartbeat of a piece, setting its mood and energy.
#Italian Tempo Markings 🇮🇹
Italian terms are the standard for tempo, no matter where the music is from. You absolutely need to know these for the AP exam! Think of them not just as speeds, but as feelings or moods.
Mnemonic for Tempo Markings:
Grandma Loves Large Apples And Always Makes Apple Very Pretty Pies
- Grave
- Lento
- Largo
- Adagio
- Andante
- Allegretto
- Moderato
- Allegro
- Vivace
- Presto
- Prestissimo
| Italian Term | Meaning | BPM Range | Mood/Feeling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grave | Slow and solemn | 20-40 | Serious, heavy |
| Lento | Slowly | 40-45 | Relaxed, deliberate |
| Largo | Broadly | 45-50 | Dignified, stately |
| Larghetto | Rather broadly | 60-66 | Slightly faster than Largo |
| Adagio | Slow and stately | 66-73 | At ease, comfortable |
| Andante | At a walking pace | 73-77 | Relaxed, flowing |
| Andantino | Slightly faster walking pace | 78-83 | A bit more lively than Andante |
| Moderato | Moderately | 86-97 | Moderate... |
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