Tempo, Musical Tempos

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Written By David King

Musical Tempos

Tempo
Pronunciation: tem-pow
Translation: Italian for time

Understanding music theory takes time and effort. Most young dancers almost gloss over tempos, but the musical signatures on a score really make a difference in developing artistry. BPM, or beats per minute, defines musical tempos. Tempo then can be separated into articulation and meter, or these aspects may indicated along with tempo, contributing to the overall feel of the piece of music. Music theory concepts are important when it comes to taking on variations and ballets. The meter is really important as this is what gives us ¾ or 4/4 or other measures of music. Articulation is how a note is played and usually will provide dancers with accented techniques, sustaining qualities, or a specific emphasis. Tempo in a single piece of music can also change; we often see that in five-part and even three-part variations. The tempo changes because of the piece's melody or how the composer and choreographer have worked together to create the blend of dancing and music.

From slowest to fastest here are some of the common tempos we will encounter in a ballet.

  • Larghissimo: extremely slow (24- BPM) 

  • Grave: very slow and solemn (25-45 BPM) 

  • Largo: slow and broad (40-60 BPM)

  • Adagio: slow, with great expression (60-70 BPM)

  • Andante: at a walking pace (70-80 BPM) 

  • Moderato: moderate pace (80-100 BPM) 

  • Allegretto: medium fast (100-110 BPM) 

  • Allegro: fast, quick, and bright (120-156 BPM)

  • Vivace: lively and fast (156-168 BPM)

  • Presto: very fast (168-200 BPM) 

  • Prestissimo: very, very fast (200+ BPM) 

By attaching one of the following words, the composer can indicate variation, including a quicker or slower speed:

  • Molto: very

  • Meno: less

  • Più: more

  • Poco: a little

  • Subito: suddenly

  • Con moto: with motion

  • Con brio: with fire

  • Maestoso: majestically

  • Con grazia: gracefully

Finally, when it comes to understanding the music that ballet meshes with are tempo changes, these changes can happen in a phrase or something very simple.

  • Ritardando: gradually slow down

  • Accelerando: gradually speed up

  • A tempo: return to original tempo

  • Rallentando: gradually slow down, but plan to return to original speed

  • Stringendo: “tightening” and speeding up

  • Stretto: in a faster time

  • Meno moto: less motion

  • Meno mosso: less movement

  • Più mosso: more movement

  • Rubato: “stolen” tempo, or freer tempo used for expression

Just these terms alone already build the foundation of artistry and understanding how to approach a work.

David King https://www.theballetdirectory.com
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