Rit is a musical term. Tempos in music: slow, moderate and fast

Classic definition states that tempo in music is the speed of movement. But what does this mean? The fact is that music has its own unit of measurement of time. These are not seconds, as in physics, and not hours and minutes, which we are accustomed to in life.

Musical time most closely resembles a beat human heart, measured pulse beats. These blows measure time. And the pace, that is, the overall speed of movement, depends on whether they are fast or slow.

When we listen to music, we do not hear this pulsation, unless, of course, it is specifically shown by percussion instruments. But every musician secretly, inside himself, necessarily feels these pulse beats, it is they that help to play or sing rhythmically, without deviating from the main tempo.

Here's an example. Everyone knows the melody of the New Year's song “A Christmas tree was born in the forest.” In this melody, the movement is mainly in eighth notes (sometimes there are others). The pulse beats at the same time, you just can’t hear it, but we will specially sound it using percussion instrument. Listen to this example and you will begin to feel the pulse of this song:

What are the tempos in music?

All tempos that exist in music can be divided into three main groups: slow, moderate (that is, average) and fast. In musical notation, tempo is usually denoted by special terms, most of of which are words of Italian origin.

So slow tempos include Largo and Lento, as well as Adagio and Grave.

Moderate tempos include Andante and its derivative Andantino, as well as Moderato, Sostenuto and Allegretto.

Finally, let's list the fast tempos: the cheerful Allegro, the lively Vivo and Vivace, as well as the fast Presto and the fastest Prestissimo.

How to set the exact tempo?

Is it possible to measure musical tempo in seconds? It turns out that it is possible. For this purpose, a special device is used - a metronome. The inventor of the mechanical metronome is the German mechanical physicist and musician Johann Maelzel. Nowadays, musicians in their daily rehearsals use both mechanical metronomes and electronic analogues - in the form of a separate device or application on the phone.

What is the principle of operation of a metronome? This device, after special settings (move the weight along the scale), beats the pulse at a certain speed (for example, 80 beats per minute or 120 beats per minute, etc.).

The click of a metronome resembles the loud ticking of a clock. One or another beat frequency of these beats corresponds to one of the musical tempos. For example, for a fast tempo Allegro the frequency will be approximately 120-132 beats per minute, and for a slow tempo Adagio it will be about 60 beats per minute.

These are the main points regarding musical tempo, we wanted to convey to you. If you still have questions, please write them in the comments. Until next time.

The world of music is multifaceted; several main directions form the basis of the whole musical culture. Classical, symphony, blues, jazz, pop music, rock and roll, folk, country - there are different genres and styles to suit every taste and every mood.

Origin

Music as an art arose in the early sixteenth century, when the first bowed and plucked instruments appeared. Much earlier, primitive pipes, horns and pipes were invented, which were made from reeds, animal horns and other improvised means. In the seventeenth century, musical culture was already developing at a rapid pace: more and more instruments appeared, musicians began to unite in groups, duets, trios, quartets, and later in orchestras.

Musical notation

Notation appeared before musical instruments, since singing and the art of vocals required some kind of consistency, the ability to write down invented melodies on paper and only then perform them. This is how the musical staff and the well-known seven notes appeared. By adding notes in a certain order, it was possible to obtain a melody that was compositionally simple, since there were no halftones. Then sharp and flat appeared, which immediately expanded the composer's capabilities. All this concerns the performing skills of musicians who adhere to theoretical foundations in music. But there are many masters who play only by ear, they are not familiar with music theory, they do not need it. Such musicians include country music. A few memorized chords on the guitar or piano, and natural talent completes the rest. Nevertheless, these musicians are familiar with the terms directly related to their art, but only superficially.

The emergence of musical terms

In order not to get confused in the styles and directions of music, various instruments and devices, musical terms were invented. Gradually, everything related to music received its name. And since music originated in Italy, almost all musical terms were adopted in Italian and in its transcription. Some song titles are written in French or Latin, depending on their origin. Italian musical terms reflect only big picture and can be replaced in in some cases other names with similar meaning.

Italian origin

Music is a vast layer of world culture that requires serious systematic approach. Musical terms approved at the level of linguistics committees of leading European countries, including Italy, and thus received official status. Administrative support musical institutions throughout the world is based on the use of terms in accordance with their application - reference books and guides have been created for this purpose.

Known terms

The most famous musical term is “treble clef”, everyone knows it. The value is most popular titles it is difficult to overestimate, there is a kind of axiom in their writing, the same thing happens when we hear a well-known phrase. For example, the most musical term is, of course, “jazz”. Many people associate it with black rhythms and exotic variations.

Names and classification

It is impossible to unambiguously define the most famous musical term. This category includes the name "symphony", a synonym classical music. When we hear this word, an orchestra on stage appears before our eyes, violins and cellos, music stands with notes and a conductor in a tailcoat. Musical concepts and terms help to understand what is happening in concert hall and gain a deeper understanding of the essence of the work. The sophisticated audience attending concerts at the Philharmonic will never confuse adagio with andante, since each term has its own definition.

Fundamental terms in music

Let us present to your attention the most famous musical terms. The list includes titles such as:

Arpeggio - alternation of notes when sounds are built one after another.
Aria - vocal piece, part of the opera, performed with orchestra.
Variations are an instrumental work or its excerpts, performed with various complications.
Gamma - alternating notes in a certain order, but without mixing, up or down to an octave repetition.
Range is the interval between the lowest and highest sounds of an instrument or voice.
Scale - sounds arranged in a row in height, similar to a scale. The scale may be present in or in their passages.
Cantata is a work for concert performance by an orchestra, soloists or choir.
Clavier - arrangement of a symphony or opera for interpretation on the piano or for singing with piano accompaniment.
Opera is the most important musical genre, connecting drama and music, music and ballet.
Prelude - an introduction before the main piece of music. Can be used as an independent form for a small piece.
Romance is a work for vocal performance with accompaniment. It is distinguished by a romantic mood and melody.
Rondo is a repetition of the main theme of the work with the inclusion of other accompanying episodes between the refrains.
A symphony is a work performed by an orchestra in four parts. Based on the principles of sonata form.
A sonata is an instrumental work of complex form consisting of several parts, one of which dominates.
Suite - musical composition from several parts, different in content and contrasting with each other.
Overture is an introduction to a work that briefly reveals the main content. Orchestral overtures, as a rule, are an independent musical work.
Piano is the unifying name for instruments that operate on the principle of hitting a hammer on a string using keys.
The chromatic scale is a scale of semitones, formed by filling major seconds with intermediate semitones.
Texture is a way of presenting music. Main types: piano, vocal, choral, orchestral and instrumental.
Tonality is the characteristic of a fret in height. Tonality is distinguished by key components that determine the composition of sounds.
Third is a three-step interval. The major third is two tones, the minor third is one and a half tones.
Solfeggio - classes based on the principle of tutoring with the goal of becoming musical ear and its further development.
The scherzo is a musical sketch of a light, playful nature. May be included in a major musical work as its integral part. It can also be an independent piece of music.

Musical term "allegro"

Some techniques are widely used. An example is the musical term - “fast”, “fun”, “expressive”. It immediately becomes clear that the work contains major expression. In addition, the musical term “allegro” denotes the unusual, and sometimes festive, nature of what is happening. The style that is characterized by this concept seems to be the most life-affirming. Only in in rare cases The musical term "allegro" denotes a calm and measured development of a plot, performance or opera. But even in this case, the overall tone of the work is cheerful and expressive.

Terms defining style and genres of music

Titles are divided into several categories. Tempo, rhythm, or speed of performance define certain musical terms. List of symbols:

Adagio - calm, slow.
Adgitato - excited, excited, impulsive.
- measuredly, slowly, thoughtfully.
Appassionato - lively, with passion.
Accelerando - increasing the pace, accelerating.
Calando - with fading, reducing speed and reducing pressure.
Cantabile - melodious, sing-song, with feeling.
Con dolcherezza - softly, with tenderness.
Con forza - with force, assertively.
Decrescendo - gradually decreasing the sound strength.
Dolce - tender, sweet, soft.
Doloroso - with sadness, pitifully, with despair.
Forte - loudly, with force.
Fortissimo - very strong and loud, thunderous.
Largo - wide, free, leisurely.
Legato - smoothly, calmly, serenely.
Lento - slowly, slowing down even more.
Legiero - easily, smoothly, thoughtlessly.
Maestoso - majestic, solemn.
Misterioso - quiet, mysterious.
Moderato - moderately, with arrangement, slowly.
Piano - quietly, quietly.
Pianissimo - very quiet, muffled.
Presto - quickly, intensely.
Sempre - constantly, without changing.
Spirituozo - spiritually, with feeling.
Staccato - abruptly.
Vivace - lively, quickly, non-stop.
Vivo - tempo intermediate between presto and allegro.

Technical terminology

The treble clef is a special symbol placed at the beginning of the musical line, indicating that the note of the first octave “G” is located on the second line of the staff.
Bass clef - an icon confirming the location of the note “F” of the small octave on the fourth line of the staff.
Bekar is an icon indicating the cancellation of the “flat” and “sharp” signs. It is a sign of alteration.
A sharp is an icon indicating an increase in sound by a semitone. It is a sign of alteration.
Flat is an icon indicating a decrease in sound by a semitone. It is a sign of alteration.
Double-sharp - an icon indicating an increase in sound by two semitones, whole tone. It is a sign of alteration.
Double-flat is an icon indicating a decrease in sound by two semitones, a whole tone. It is a sign of alteration.
A beat is an incomplete beat that gives rise to a piece of music.
Signs that abbreviate musical notation serve to simplify musical notation if it is extensive. The most common: tremolo, reprise sign, melismatic signs.
Quintole - a five-note form replacing the usual group of four notes, symbolized by the number 5, below or above the notes.
A key is an icon indicating the place where a sound is recorded on a musical scale in relation to other sounds.
Key signs are alteration icons placed next to the key.
A note is an icon placed on one of the lines of the staff or between them, indicating the pitch and duration of the sound.
Staff - five parallel lines for placing notes. The arrangement of note symbols is carried out from bottom to top.
Score - musical notation, separate for each participant in the performance of the work, taking into account the compatibility of voices and instruments.
Reprise is an icon indicating the repetition of any part of a work. Repeating the fragment with some changes.
Degree - designation of the order of the sounds of the scale, indicated by Roman numerals.

Musical terms for all times

Musical terminology is the basis of modern performing arts. Without terms it is impossible to write notes, and without notes professional musician or the singer will not be able to play or sing. The terms are academic - they do not change over time and do not become a thing of the past. Invented more than three hundred years ago, they are still relevant.

The music may be generic, but the musical notes are only in Italian. If you sing or play a musical instrument (or want to learn), learn the following Italian words first.

In one famous New York cartoon, a wife makes a caustic remark to her husband: “I think Italian is spoken in heaven, and German is spoken in hell.” In addition to the content, so that you do not think about the phonetic advantages or disadvantages of German, Italian language certainly deserves its reputation. The tongue produces a mixture of mellifluous consonants and pleasant open vowels that will charm the ears of anyone. It is not surprising that the Italians Long story musical contribution.

Although modern state Italy did not emerge until 1861; many regions contributed to the development of its musical culture - mainly Tuscany. It was there, in Florence, that the traditions of placing music on notes gradually developed, and words such as “ crescendo" or " diminuendo" were written down in the Tuscan dialect due to the designation of expression and guiding interpretation.

It was the same Tuscan dialect, or rather the evolution of its Florentine version, which ultimately became Italian, national language united Italy, and which is taught nowadays in courses foreign languages Worldwide. If you ever want to learn to play a musical instrument, sing or play the music of Scarlatti, Verdi and Puccini, you should also become familiar with some of these words. And if your place is not on stage but in the audience, you can still practice by learning the meaning of these words, many of which are used in everyday speech.

ROLES AND PERFORMERS

Prima-Donna

If one of your friends acts as if the sun is behind them, the world owes them their lives, and buildings must bow to them, they are probably acting like a prima donna. We use this expression pejoratively to describe an arrogant, narcissistic person, and its literal meaning is “first lady” - not the president’s wife, but a leading lady. female role at the opera. She always comes first and is the main attraction of everything, but don't envy her: in many opera performances, from Madame Butterfly to Salome, the leading lady ends terrible death!

Another word for an insufferable self-centered individualist is “ diva” . Literally, “female deity,” an interpretation you may have already guessed from its similarity to the English word “devine.” It also refers to the lead singer and has more positive connotations in opera, a form of praise for the goddess-like interpretive powers of the performer. (And if you want to call a male friend, use “ divo").

Or “master” in English. The term is usually applied to a conductor, but also to music director or a music teacher, composer and other outstanding musicians and singers. If you have special skills and abilities that allow you to impart knowledge to others, you will likely be called “ maestro” .

EXPRESSIONS

No, this is not a musical instrument. In the score, if you find a passage indicating « piano» , you must play or sing calmly. “ Piano” means “soft and slow” (“soft and low”). If someone is talking too loudly or music is blaring from the speakers, you can always say “ Piano, perfavor” - which means “Not so loud, please!”

The opposite of " piano» , which in a musical score means “loud”, but in ordinary everyday Italian it means “strong” or “potent”. And if you join “ piano" To " forte“it will work out” pianoforte" - original name musical instrument, which we call a piano - now you understand where it got its name from.

Crescendo

“Crescendo" comes from " piano" To " forte” and both in music and in everyday speech means “development”. If you happen to meet your nephew six months later, you can always say “ Comestaicrescendo!”. - “You are growing fast!”

THEATER JARGON

Intermezzo

And here, you can instantly recognize it English equivalent“intermission” (“break, intermission”). In the field of music “ intermezzo” is a short instrument connection. In common parlance, simply an intermission during a show. From now on you will probably call coffee breaks “ intermezzo" Who knows, maybe it will gain popularity!

Opera/operetta

Every great artist leaves behind a legacy of enormous significance, i.e. “ grandiopera” - great works to admire. In this sense " opera" - "work". A " operetta” - “small representation”, and indicates comic opera, minor regarding music and subject matter. (And here, " operaio" is the Italian word for “worker” - usually in a factory. In this form it is easier to guess the meaning, since it is very close to English word“operator” (“operator”)).

You know this word - it's what you shout at the end of a great performance or show. You might immediately remember the word “brave”, but “ bravo” will be more difficult. It has whole line meanings: “good” (“good”), “of value” (“valuable”), “daring” (“brave”), “worthy of respect” (“ worthy of respect"), "courageous" ("courageous"). In musical terms, we can certainly translate it as “skillful,” a way of saying that the performer is truly gifted. In essence, you can use this word to describe the personality or actions of someone, but be careful not to confuse “ bravo” And " brava” , especially when you clap at the end of the show. The first exclamation is for the male performer and the second for the female performer.

PACE AND MIND

In the musical score, “ allegro” indicates alive and fast pace, and in other cases its meaning is “joyful”. You may have already heard the name “Allegra” - when addressing a girl on playground earlier?

Not " pesto", A " presto”! This word describes a very fast tempo when used as a sign of a musical interpreter, and also if you snap your fingers after preparing a wonderful meal and run to the dining room to announce that everything is ready, you can always shout “ Presto"– “Ready” (“Ready!”) - for your guests!

If you see the inscription on the score “ andante”, should be played moderately and calmly. Its next meaning is “walking”, so there is no need to rush.

There are many other Italian musical terms from which the ones mentioned above are derived, but we hope this introduction will whet your appetite for beautiful music and the superior language that makes musical expression possible.

Keywords: crescendo, diminuendo, music by Scarlatti, Verdi, Puccini, Prima-Donna, prima donna, Diva, Intermezzo, Opera, operetta

You have found yourself in the section musical terms, where we will discuss all their concepts, meanings, definitions, show you translations from various languages into Russian, give a list of the main musical definitions and so on. Below are also articles that explain certain terms in more detail. You will find them at the very end of this page.

Musical terms and their meaning

Before we talk about musical terms and their meaning, first I want to give you one example. Let's imagine such a situation. You and your friend were treated to pies. He ate it, but you didn’t have time.

You ask him: “How’s it going?” He says: “Delicious!” However, what can you understand from this one word? You don't even know whether the pie was sweet or salty. With apples or cabbage. That is, nothing is clear.

It is only clear that it is delicious. After all, every pastry chef puts together his own bun or pie from various little things.

It's the same in music. The melody itself is very beautiful. However, her beauty consists of small parts. That's what we'll talk about.

Techniques for changing the sound that contribute to the greatest expressiveness in the melody are called nuances in music.

For example, let's take such a nuance as volume. Volume can change a lot in a melody. You can just play straight. Or you can first start with a quiet sound and gradually increase the volume. In general, the second option will turn out to be more expressive than the first.

The quietest sound in music is called pianissimo(pianissimo) from the Italian word piano (quiet). A little louder will be easy piano(piano) - just quiet. It will be even louder forte(forte) - loud. If it's very loud it will fortissimo(fortissimo) - very loud.

The transition from one sound to another is also important. For example, you can play very abruptly. This technique in Italian will be called staccato(staccato) - sharply or abruptly.

Or you can play smoothly. This technique is called legato(legato) - smoothly. That is, the sound smoothly passes from one to another, as if complementing each other.

The staff is drawn below. There are 10 notes written on it.

All levels in the scale have their own Latin names:

l is prima
ll - second
lll - third
lV - quart
V - fifth
Vl - sixth
Vll - septima
Vlll - octave
lX - nona
X - decima

Intervals in music

Let's talk about intervals in music. The interval itself denotes distance. Well, a musical interval indicates the distance between musical sounds in height.

Each scale has such already planned intervals. Above these 10 intervals are given in Latin. I recommend you remember them.

What are the intervals from the note to (tonic) to all other degrees of the scale?

There is a rather symbolic interval. There is practically no difference between the notes in this interval. Before - before is the interval between the first and the first step. But it still exists. There are even songs that start with two identical notes.

So, this do-do interval has a name prima. There is already some difference in height between the C and D of the second step. This interval will be called seconds th.

Between the first and third degrees of the scale (between C and E) there is an interval called third. Next comes the quart and so on in increasing order as in the list above.

Probably many will ask from what language all the musical terms were borrowed. It is worth saying that the main base of terminology is in Italian. In principle, this is not surprising. After all, music itself originated in Italy. That's why many dictionaries and textbooks give you terms in Italian.

In general, as you understand, for more precise definition music and special musical terms were invented. There are even special dictionaries musical terms. With the development of music, new terms come.

It is worth saying that all these terms were not written out of the blue. All of them were approved at the level of committees of European countries. After which, various reference books and dictionaries began to be published according to this standard.

Be sure to learn all this terminology! After all, normal things are impossible without her.

The most famous musical term

Probably the most famous musical term, which was heard even by those who are not close to music, is the treble clef. I think many have heard of him.

This key helps musicians understand notated notes. This main element on the staff.

Many musicians often call it the G key, since it is on the same line of the G note. People agreed to write the treble clef on one ruler so that the musician could then easily navigate the notes.

Here we will look at musical notation for notes. You will learn how notes are called and written. And also where which note should be on the staff.

Here is the list:

to (C) - written on an additional ruler
re (D) - under the first line
mi (E) - on the first line
fa (F) - between the first and second line
salt (G) - on the second line
A (A) - between the second and third line
si (H or B) - on the third line
up to the second octave repeats the entire scale again

Italian musical terms

Below you will have access to a list of the main Italian musical terms for the piano.

Adagio - adagio - slowly, calmly
Ad libitum - ad libitum - at discretion, at will, freely
Agitato - adjitato - excitedly, excitedly
Alla marcia - alla marchia - marching
Allegro - allegro - fun, fast
Allegretto - allegretto, indicating a tempo slower than allegro
Animato - animato - enthusiastically, animatedly
Andante - andante - walking, flowing; average speed pace, corresponding to a calm step
Andantino - andantino - tempo more lively than andante
Appassionato - appassionatto - passionately
Assai - assai - enough, enough
A capriccio - and capriccio is the same as hell libitum
A tempo - and tempo - at tempo (that is, at the main tempo indicated earlier)
Accelerando - accelerando - accelerating
Calando - kalyando - reducing strength and speed
Cantabile - cantabile - melodious
Cantando - cantando - melodious
Cappricciozo - capriccioso - capricious
Con affetto - con affetto - with feeling, with passion
Con anima - con anima - with enthusiasm, with animation
Con brio - con brio - with fervor
Con dolcezza - con dolcezza - gently, softly
Con dolcherezza - con dolcherezza - gently, softly
Con espressione - con espressione - with expression
Con forza - con forza - with strength
Con moto - con moto - movably
Con passion - con passion - with passion
Con spirit - con spirit - the same as Con anima (con anima)
Crescendo - crescendo - increasing the strength of sound
Da capo al fine - da capo al fine - from the beginning to the word “end”
Decrescendo - decrescendo - reducing the sound strength
Diminuendo - diminuendo - reducing the strength of sound
Dolce - dolce - soft, gentle
Doloroso - doloroso - sad, pitiful
Energico - energetically - energetically
Espressivo – espressivo – expressively
Forte (often f in musical notation) – forte – loud, strong (more details)
Fortissimo - fortissimo - very loud, very strong
Grazioso - graciously - gracefully
Grave - grave - important, ponderous
Largo – largo – widely; very slow pace
Legato - legato - smoothly, coherently (more details)
Lento – lento – slow
Leggiero - leggiero - easy
Lugubre - lyugubre - gloomy
Maestoso - maestoso - solemnly, majestically
Marcato - marcato - emphasizing
Marciale - marciale - marching
Mezza voze - mezza voce - in a low voice
Mezzo piano (often mp in musical notation) – mezzo drunk – not very quiet (more details)
Mezzo forte (often mf in musical notation) - mezzo forte - not very loud (more details)
Misteriozo - mysteriozo - mysterious
Moderato - moderato - moderately
Molto – molto – very, very much
Non – non – not
Non troppo - non tropo - not too much
Piano (often p in musical notation) – quietly (more details)
Pianissimo - pianissimo - very quiet (more details)
Poco a poco - poco a poco - little by little, gradually
Presto - presto - quickly
Ritenuto - ritenuto - slowing down the movement
Rizoluto - rizoluto - decisively
Rubato – rubato – at a free tempo (more details)
Semplice - sample - simple
Sempre – sempre – always, constantly
Simile - simile - similar to (previous)
Shcerzando - scherzando - playfully
Scherzoso - scherzoso - playfully
Smorzando - smorzando - freezing
Sostenuto - sostenuto - restrained, slowly
Sotto voce - sotto voce - in a low voice
Spirituozo - spiritual - spiritually
Staccato - staccato - abrupt execution of sounds; the opposite of legato (more details)
Tranquillo - tranquillo - calmly
Tranquillamente - tranquillamente - calmly
Vivace - vivache - soon, quickly
Vivo - vivo - tempo, faster than allegro (allegro), but slower than presto (presto)

Now you know what musical terms are and what they are needed for. We have considered only a small base or list of definitions. Of course, we won’t reveal everything here. But nevertheless, I recommend that you pay attention to the articles that follow. They expand on certain terms in more detail. Therefore, I recommend paying attention to them too.

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26.04.2012

Find out everything about this Musical direction, like a cover version of songs. Let's look at the features, listen to examples of the most best compositions, we will touch on many other important issues.