11391 / 18210 · Workshop 93 — Tempo Architecture and Rubato: Ritardando, Accelerando, Fermatas, Metric Modulation, Free Time, and Returning to Pulse Without Losing the Listener← prev⊞ allnext →
93.137A practical performance rule
Before any tempo change, know:
- What is the old tempo?
- What is the new tempo?
- Is the change gradual, direct, free-time, or metrically related?
- What tells the listener the new pulse?
- How long will you stay there?
If you cannot answer these:
the tempo change is probably not designed yet.