 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Squeeky
Date: 2004-09-19 23:09
I'm only just learning to read music from a book and play the clarinet.
The tempo is usually written in Italian such as,
Grave - very slow and solemn,
Adagio - slow,
Allegro - fast,
Presto - very fast.
These are all very well for those who understand or have a teacher to advise but what speeds do they relate to on a metronome?
Is there a chart of metronome speeds anywhere?
Help desperately needed to progress.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-09-19 23:48
My metronome says:
Largo: 40-60
Larghetto: 60-66
Adagio: 66-76
Andante: 76-108
Moderato: 108-120
Allegro: 120-168
Presto: 168-200
Prestissimo: 200-208
There are charts out there; a quick search yields http://www.metronomeonline.com , which agrees with my metronome.
Markings such as Allegretto and Vivace fit in there as well.
In actuality, though, there is a considerable bit of leeway. A piece might be marked Allegro at 80, if it makes sense musically. The names for speeds indicate a general feel more often than a concrete metronome marking. They do serve to give you a ballpark though.
For quick reference when away from a metronome, an allegro at 120 is approximately Stars & Stripes Forever, and a moderato/andante at 90 is approximately The Star Spangled Banner.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-09-19 23:56
Some of the older style metronomes have tempi AND words on their plate ... I prefer these wind up ones, personally, find the digital metronomes a bit cold and calculating ... but I can't proove why.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-09-20 00:46
Hi,
My old Seth Thomas metronome has the following markings:
Largo: 40-70
Larghetto: 70-98
Adagio: 98-125
Andante: 125-154
Allegro: 154-180
Presto: 180-208
The metronome dates back to about 1953 or so and is a windup in a wonderful wooden case.
HRL
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2004-09-20 01:09
Hank, I love my clockwork as well, but I think the tempo markings on mine are something like Alex's. I'd be interested to hear some of the famous Classical "Allegros" played at 154, let alone 180. K 622 first movement? Wow!
Getting to the original question, it depends on the context. The 2nd movement of Beethoven's Symphony 7 was marked by the composer "Allegretto", and the M. marking he inserted several years later (shortly after its invention) was quarter note = 76. If you have a local musical aquaintance maybe they could help you. Or you could post the names of some of the pieces you're working on and see what others think.
It's also a matter of personal taste combined with ability, so it's a matter of time before a teacher might be essential.
----------------------------------------------
Confucius say, "Why you always quote me in silly Chinese accent?"
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Author: Dee
Date: 2004-09-20 01:15
It helps to look up the actual meaning of the Italian words.
For example, "allegro" actually means "lively". Now if you have only quarter notes in a piece, it will have to have a faster tempo to sound lively than a piece with a lot of 16th notes. So think about the piece that you are playing. If it says allegro and sounds lively, you've got it about right.
"Moderato" means "moderate"
"Andante" means "going", ie moving along as in a walking pace.
"Presto" means "fast"
"Prestissimo" means "fastest"
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-09-20 01:36
Can I suggest, as you don't have a teacher, that you get yourself a copy of a theory text?
GBK might be able to suggest one that is "work at your own pace" or "teach yourself" in style. 20 minutes an evening spent absorbing this sort of basic information is time well spent.
Just remember ... theory is just a word and not a nasty one.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-20 03:10
Master Theory Workbook series (Peters and Yoder) from Kjos Publishing is a good "work at your own pace" set of texts.
Book 1 - Beginning Theory
Book 2 - Intermediate Theory
Book 3 - Advanced Theory
Book 4 - Elementary Harmony and Arranging
Book 5 - Intermediate Harmony and Arranging
Book 6 - Advanced Harmony and Arranging
Each book has 30 lessons with student assignments.
I've used them in both the public schools and privately and think they offer a very complete foundation ...GBK
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-09-20 03:25
In addition to texts, I might suggest getting scores and recordings of pieces you like, if you can afford it. Score reading is an invaluable skill, especially in conjunction with some familiarity with harmonic motion and form. Dover has some reasonably priced scores ($10-20) on Amazon of most major pieces that are out of copyright. I'm waiting for Scheherezade, Symphonie Fantastique, and The Planets to arrive at the moment. Clarinet concerti, though perhaps a bit harder to find and sometimes more expensive, can be particularly insightful.
Late into college, I'm just now doing significant score study, and it's something I wish I'd had some exposure to earlier.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: ned
Date: 2004-09-20 04:01
''For quick reference when away from a metronome, an allegro at 120 is approximately Stars & Stripes Forever, and a moderato/andante at 90 is approximately The Star Spangled Banner.""
Can you suggest some others for us non-Americans?
thanks
jk
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Author: Squeeky
Date: 2004-09-20 07:49
Thanks to all you musicians who replied.
It seems that metronomes have the Italian terms printed on them from what you say. The reason I didn't notice this is that I'm using a small battery operated one that only clicks or gives out a red flashing light in time with the beat you have chosen.
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2004-09-20 14:17
Hi Squeeky:
My suggestion is totally unrelated to Metronomes:
When my 3 kids were very young, I called them "Squeaky," as a cute nickname. They didn't mind, but I was reminded by a friend that "squeaky" is not a great name for a clarinet player's kids! I guess squeaky is really want we don't want to be.
It's a cute name, and interesting spelling, so if you really like it, then keep it.
BTW:
A famous Jazzer was riding home on the subway after shopping for some woodwind supplies. The next day he told his friends on the gig, that the clarinet reeds were squeaking all the way home in the box!
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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