BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
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:

  1. What is the old tempo?
  2. What is the new tempo?
  3. Is the change gradual, direct, free-time, or metrically related?
  4. What tells the listener the new pulse?
  5. How long will you stay there?

If you cannot answer these:

the tempo change is probably not designed yet.