What is the slow pace in music?

The word "pace", which is so common in our daily life, has Latin roots, because it comes from tempos, which means "time." All the actions we do for a certain time period, and in some cases its duration does not matter. However, in music, the perception of a work by a listener directly depends on the speed with which it is performed. The melody can be slow, moderate or, conversely, very fast.

From this article we learn what it is such a slow pace in music, for which works it is characteristic and what effect it has on the viewer.

Where there is a rate

As a rule, the standard rates, which are written in notes in Italian, are characteristic only of classical music and folk dances. Of course, they can be applied to any other work, for example, to a variety song or to tunes of Buddhist monks. In each of these cases, the slow tempo in the music will set the listener to calm or easy sadness if the melody has a plaintive character.

Also, many classical works that are performed in unhurried form, differ in importance and solemnity.

Slow works

The slow pace in classical music is found in the works of almost every composer. A striking example is the first part of the 14th (Lunar) Sonata by L. Beethoven, "Andante" by A. Khachaturyan, "Saraband with Variations" by Handel. All these works are distinguished by a sad, dreamy and slightly gloomy mood. Here the slow tempo in music is combined with minor harmonies, which generates sadness. If the work is built on a major harmony, then it acquires a solemn character.

Features of writing tempo

All the pace musicians used to present in Italian. So if you start studying music, then soon learn these simple words and remember their meanings. The slowest pace in music is grave, which means "important". It is followed by a more extended largo, which translates as "broad", "stretched". A popular, all-on-the-ear slow pace in music is adagio. Thanks to him many works received their names, for example, "Adagio" Albinoni or the product of the same name by JS Bach.

Behind him follows the most tranquil lento. The next musical rhythm still has to do with slow, but differs mobility. It's about andante, which translates as "at the pace of the step." You need to play evenly, without hurrying up, but without stretching the notes. But the tempo andantino should perform the work with a little hurry, but still restrained.

From slow to moderate

After andantino follows the already moderate slow pace in music, which is called moderato. There are many variations of this musical speed of performance, which add to the moderation a shade of importance or haste, tranquility or confusion.

It should be noted that in classical works of large form, the pace often changes. If you take a standard sonata, then its beginning - exposure - you need to play brightly, with restraint. The middle part - the development - is of a technical nature, and the last - a reprise - should be played with feeling, a little bit lengthy.