Tempo, dynamics and articulation · Music theory
The terms for tempo, character, dynamics and articulation found in a score.
Tempo
Tempo is the speed of the pulse. It is marked at the start of the piece with a term, nearly always Italian, and sometimes with a metronome figure (“♩ = 60”, sixty quarter notes per minute). The figures in the table are only a guide: each term also suggests a character.
The terms change over time
The mechanical metronome, patented by Johann Maelzel in 1815, made it possible to fix tempo for the first time. Beethoven was among the first to use it and gave figures to his symphonies; some seem very fast today and are still debated.
Italian terms have not always meant the same. In the Baroque, Largo was faster than Adagio, the reverse of today. Andante means walking, so it is not really slow. And Presto only indicates speed, while Allegro also indicates cheerfulness.