Tempo, gradations of tempo, pulse rates and the absence of pulse

What this note covers

1. Tempo is beat rate, not number of notes
2. Accelerando and ritardando are directed gradations
3. Rubato shapes phrases around an underlying pulse
4. Simultaneous pulse rates and subdivision
5. Music can suspend or omit a regular pulse
6. Worked tempo-and-pulse analysis
7. 7. Worked tempo narrative: stable pulse, acceleration and suspended time
8. 8. Multiple pulse rates: hearing subdivision, polyrhythmic feel and reset

8 sections · 10 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes