On Mon 19 Nov 2001 at 04:26PM +0100, Frank Nordberg wrote: > > > James Allwright wrote: > > > > I think we need to know whether "Allegro" is one of a small set of > > well-defined tempo descriptors (in which case it would be really nice > > to have the complete set together with their definitions) or one > > tempo definition in a large and vague set that spans the complete > > Italian language and is interpreted at the performer's discretion. > > There is no small set of well-defined tempo descriptors. Nor are the > tempo indicators necessarily in Italian. Basically, the composer can use > any words in any language he wants. >
I'm willing to bow to Frank's superior knowledge here. The conclusion is that tempo indicators are essentially random text and it is not worth our while attempting to codify them so they can be translated into numerical meanings. James Allwright To subscribe/unsubscribe, point your browser to: http://www.tullochgorm.com/lists.html
