Definition

Noun: - A precise indication of musical tempo: A "metronome marking" is a numerical value, typically written at the beginning of a piece of sheet music, that specifies the exact tempo. It indicates how many beats of a particular note value (usually a quarter note) occur per minute (BPM).

Usage

A "metronome marking" provides an objective and exact speed for a piece of music, ensuring consistent performance. It is written in the form "note symbol = number", such as "♩ = 120", meaning 120 quarter notes per minute.

Examples

• The composer's manuscript included the metronome marking "♩ = 92" for the first movement.
• To practice accurately, set your digital metronome to the metronome marking indicated in your score.
• There is often debate among musicians about whether to follow Beethoven's original metronome markings.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Interpretation: The interpretation of historical metronome markings, especially those from the 19th century, can be a subject of scholarly debate regarding the intended tempo.
• Tempo Range: While a metronome marking gives a specific number, performers may treat it as the center of a permissible tempo range, slightly faster or slower for expressive purposes.

Variants and Related Words

• Metronome (noun): A device that produces an audible click at a regular, adjustable interval, used to mark time.
• Tempo marking (noun): A broader term for any textual instruction indicating speed (e.g., , ), which may or may not be accompanied by a specific metronome marking.
• Beats per minute (BPM) (noun): The unit of measurement for a metronome marking.

Synonyms

• Tempo indication: A general term for any marking that specifies speed.
• Beat marking: Less common, but can refer to the specified beats per minute.

Related Phrases

• "At a metronome marking of...": Used to describe the tempo of a performance.
  • The orchestra played the finale at a metronome marking of 160 beats per minute.
• "To observe the metronome marking": To follow the indicated tempo precisely.
  • The conductor insisted that we observe the metronome marking exactly during the rehearsal.

Noun

1. the pace of music measured by the number of beats occurring in 60 seconds