tempo

Tempo is the speed or pace of a given activity. In music, tempo refers to the rate at which the beat is played and is usually measured in beats per minute (BPM). It provides a framework for rhythm and phrasing and can influence mood and energy. At the start of a piece, tempo is indicated by a tempo marking or a numeric BPM. Tempo may be kept constant or varied through a performance, within stylistic conventions and expressive intention.

Tempo markings historically come from Italian: grave, lento, adagio, andante, moderato, allegro, presto, among others. Modern scores often specify numeric BPM values or use mix of both. Composers may also indicate gradual changes with terms such as accelerando (getting faster) and ritardando (slowing down). A tempo, tempo primo, or a return to the original speed is indicated to restore the initial tempo after a deviation. Rubato refers to flexible tempo for expressive purposes, especially in Romantic performance.

Outside music, tempo can describe the pace of any activity or process, such as the tempo of a race, the tempo of economic activity, or the tempo of growth in a study. In performance contexts, maintaining an appropriate tempo requires attention from performers, conductors, or leaders, sometimes aided by a metronome or a click track in modern production.