Fouttempo

Fouttempo is a Dutch term used in music criticism and pedagogy to describe a performance in which the tempo is inaccurate relative to the indicated tempo in the score or the ensemble’s agreed pace. Literally meaning "wrong tempo," it is distinct from expressive devices such as tempo rubato or ritardando, which intentionally alter tempo for musical effect.

Definition and scope: A fouttempo can manifest as a tempo that remains too fast or too slow, or as inconsistent tempo throughout a piece, causing misalignment among players and distortions of rhythmic structure. The phenomenon is most noticeable in tempo-driven music such as marches, dance music, or fast movements, but can occur in any genre.

Causes: It may arise from misinterpretation of tempo markings, inaccurate beat establishment, inadequate ensemble coordination, technical limitations of performers, or deliberate stylistic choices by a conductor or soloist.

Measurement and assessment: In academic contexts, fouttempo is assessed by comparing the performed tempo against a score’s metronome markings or a predefined tempo map. Modern analyses use beat-tracking algorithms and tempo curves to quantify deviations in BPM and consistency.

Impact and interpretation: While typically deemed a flaw, fouttempo can occasionally be an intentional interpretive decision; however, many performances treat it as an error, affecting cohesion and perceived musical direction. In Dutch musical criticism, the term foregrounds tempo accuracy as a criterion of performance quality.

See also: tempo, tempo rubato, ritardando, tempo map, beat tracking.