To misunderstand or go against the character, color or nature of a phrase is a prime cause for both technical and musical disaster. The same is true for the phrase rhythm and the harmonic rhythm. You must truly understand the character of a piece of music to determine the tempo. After this has been perceived, the matter of just how fast or how slow depends on individual skill, taste or even the moment.

After you understand the correct speed and pacing of a fast movement--especially the
first movement of the opening piece on a concert--practice it only up to a metronome
notch or two under the final performance tempo. Adrenalin will do the rest. Control yourself.

The character of the music may be harsh, angry, violent, chiding, muscular, tense,
agitated, etc.--especially in 20th Century music--but the sound of your instrument
must always be beautiful even as these emotions are being suggested.

Back to Timing, Rhythm and Notation or forward to Recordings and Competitions

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