Change of tempo
One of the most problematic moments of any musical composition is the moment when it changes tempo. There can be a few chaotic measures while the ensemble and the conductor search for the new tempo. This search is sometimes made separately, to the embarrassment of the audience as well as the performers. There are a few points that will serve to aid a conductor in changing tempos.
Unless the music is marked with a ritard or similar marking that would slow the tempo, do not slow the last one or two beats of the first tempo, when it is followed by a slower tempo. The reverse would also be true. The tempo change begins with the first beat of the next measure where the indication of the change of tempo is located.
The length of time between the final beat of the first tempo and the first beat of the new tempo must remain in the first tempo. Often conductors will reflect the new tempo in the final motion connected with the last beat of the first tempo. Many conductors anticipate the new tempo in this manner, often destroying the musical intention of the composer. The new tempo will be indicated by the distance between the first and second beats of the new tempo. If the tempo is to be faster, for instance, less time and distance between beats will give the ensemble the proper indication of the change.
The example in figure 1 shows a change from
As a conductor examines tempo changes, he needs to first determine the relationship between the first tempo and the second tempo. In the example in figure 1
The change from
Not all tempo changes will have such relationships but many will, and conductors should examine the score carefully for aids to tempo accuracy.