BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
11256 / 18210 · Workshop 93 — Tempo Architecture and Rubato: Ritardando, Accelerando, Fermatas, Metric Modulation, Free Time, and Returning to Pulse Without Losing the Listener← prev⊞ allnext →

93.2Second distinction — tempo change versus perceived tempo

If you go:

walking swing → half-time,

the BPM may remain 120.

If you go:

120 BPM → 90 BPM,

the physical tempo changed.

Do not confuse them.