tempomuutos

Tempomuutos is a Finnish term that translates to "tempo change" or "change of tempo." In music, it refers to a deliberate alteration in the speed or pace of a piece. This can manifest in various ways, from a sudden shift to a gradual acceleration or deceleration. Composers use tempo changes to add emotional depth, create dramatic contrast, and guide the listener's perception of the music's unfolding narrative.

Common types of tempo changes include accelerando, which is a gradual increase in speed, and ritardando, a gradual decrease in speed. A sudden change in tempo is often indicated by terms like "subito allegro" (suddenly fast) or "subito adagio" (suddenly slow). The specific tempo markings, such as allegro (fast), andante (walking pace), or adagio (slow), provide a baseline tempo, and tempomuutos describes deviations from this baseline.

The effect of a tempomuutos can be profound. An accelerando might build excitement or tension, while a ritardando can create a sense of resignation or finality. A sudden shift can be jarring and attention-grabbing, or it can mark a significant transition in the mood or character of the music. The skillful application of tempomuutos is a key element in musical expression and performance.