- A slower tempo combined with a decrease in power
morendo
perdendo
perdendosi
calando
smorzando (Usually translated, "gradually dying away")
- A slower tempo combined with a decrease in power
(After any of the terms in the above list, a return to the normal tempo is indicated by such expressions as a tempo, tempo primo, et cetera.)
But in addition to the variations in tempo more or less definitely indicated by the composer there are (particularly in modern music) innumerable tempo fluctuations of a much subtler nature; and since these are now recognized as a part of really artistic choral and orchestral interpretation, (as they have long formed an indispensable element in expressive piano performance) a brief discussion of their nature will be included before closing this chapter.
In some cases a variable tempo is asked for by the composer by means of one of the following expressions:
- tempo rubato (literally, "robbed time")
- ad libitum (at pleasure)
- a piacere (at pleasure)
- a capriccio (at the caprice)
- agitato (agitated)
(The term tempo giusto—in exact tempo—is the opposite of the above expressions, and is used to indicate that the music is to be performed in steady tempo.)
In the majority of cases, however, the composer gives no indication whatsoever, and the whole responsibility therefore rests upon the performer or conductor. It is because of this latter fact that the amateur must study these matters indefatigably. The advent of a more elastic rhythm and tempo has undoubtedly made all musical performance infinitely more pleasurable to the listener than it formerly was; but unfortunately (especially since the advent of Chopin's music) there has
