tempo
TEM-poh
/ˈtempəʊ/
The speed or pace at which a passage of music is played, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM).
Tempo refers strictly to the speed of the underlying beat, independent of the complexity of the notes or the rhythm played over it.
The story behind the word. Adopted directly from the Italian word for 'time' (which comes from Latin 'tempus') during the 17th century, when Italian musical terms became the standard across Europe.
Word relationships
- pace: Pace is a general term for speed, whereas tempo is the precise musical term measured in beats per minute.
- speed: Speed is a generic physical term, while tempo specifically relates to the pulse of music.
Commonly confused with
- rhythm: Tempo is the constant speed of the beat, whereas rhythm is the varied pattern of sounds and silences layered on top of that beat.
Word family
- tempi (noun): The plural form of tempo (often used in classical music contexts).
Collocations
- upbeat tempo
- steady tempo
- tempo change
Example sentences
- "I like to start my DJ sets at a relaxed tempo of 110 BPM and gradually build up to 128 BPM." A DJ explaining their set preparation.
- "The conductor chose an unusually brisk tempo for the symphony's opening movement." A classical music review.
Memory hook
Think of a temporary clock ticking away the tempo of the song. Tempo is the time and speed of the beat.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'rhythm' (the pattern of notes in time) or 'meter' (the grouping of beats into measures).
Fun facts
- The human heart rate naturally aligns with the tempo of music we listen to, a phenomenon known as entrainment.
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