Definition of a tempo in English:
a tempo
adjective & adverbɑː ˈtɛmpəʊˌä ˈtempō
Music (especially as a direction) in the previous or original tempo.
Example sentencesExamples
- The second theme, introduced by the cellos, is played a tempo.
- These were played a tempo and quite speedily.
- The ‘tutti’ that follows is also marked ‘a tempo’.
- The third and fourth movements were taken at a rather quick tempo altogether, with the furtive cello melody at the beginning played a tempo each time.
- Performers who play every note a tempo and with the same emphasis sound mechanical.
Origin
Italian, literally 'in time'.
Definition of a tempo in US English:
a tempo
adjective & adverbˌä ˈtempō
Music (especially as a direction) in the previous or original tempo.
Example sentencesExamples
- The second theme, introduced by the cellos, is played a tempo.
- The ‘tutti’ that follows is also marked ‘a tempo’.
- These were played a tempo and quite speedily.
- Performers who play every note a tempo and with the same emphasis sound mechanical.
- The third and fourth movements were taken at a rather quick tempo altogether, with the furtive cello melody at the beginning played a tempo each time.
Origin
Italian, literally ‘in time’.