Therefore, a tempo of BPM=90 can induce relaxation, while BPM=120 is unlikely to. To get back to our body, when you are relaxed, your heartbeat is approximately 90 BPM. Pay attention to how each tempo makes you feel. □ A song's tempo will be interpreted by our brain, linked to the emotion we associate with a particular heartbeat.Ĭheck this out for yourself! Open one of your scores in your music notation software and try different tempos. BPM of the human heart according to different moods For example, when we describe a song as fast or slow, we are comparing it to our heartbeat.īelow are four different moods and the associated heartbeat rate. So don't forget that the way the body works determines how we perceive things. These experiences, mediated by the body, are translated into emotions. This is an important fact for composers, as our body is the receptacle for our experiences. Normally the human heartbeat ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Rather, it induces physical stimulation, which has emotional implications. However, the tempo alone will not determine if someone likes or dislikes a song. The tempo of music affects arousal, which is related to the activation of neurotransmitters responsible for cortical activity and the sense of alertness. These psychological terms refer to stimulation and attractiveness/aversion, respectively. Put simply, the tempo establishes the speed of a piece of music.Įmotions have two main components: arousal and valence. For instance, if the BPM is ♩=60, a quarter note lasts one second. The BPM (Beats Per Minute) determines the duration of musical figures. Alternatively, you can use a website like SongBPM to find the tempo of a specific song. One app that works well is called "The Metronome." Simply tap your phone's screen to the beat of the song and the app will display the tempo. To identify the tempo of a song, count the beats for 15 seconds and then multiply the result by 4 (□ you can use an app to help you with this). Despite having the same key and lyrics, these versions are so different because of their tempo, interpretation, instrumentation, and emotional context in which they were performed. The guitar solo is the highlight of the song, with Django's virtuosity shining through every note. The focus is on the music, with the lyrics serving as a complement to the upbeat and cheerful melody. On the other hand, Django's version is upbeat and lively, with a fast tempo and a strong emphasis on the guitar solo. The music is minimalistic, with just a few chords played on the piano, which accentuates the emptiness and loneliness conveyed by the lyrics. Nina's version is slow and melancholic, with a focus on the lyrics and her unique voice, crafting a deep sense of sadness and longing. There have been many great covers of this song over the years, but two of my personal favorites are by Nina Simone and Django Reinhardt:Īlthough it's the same song, Nina's and Django's interpretations evoke different emotions. Its tempo is slow and mournful, which perfectly captures the sorrowful mood of the lyrics. This song about a breakup was composed in 1918 by Turner Layton and Henry Creamer. One classic song that exemplifies the importance of tempo is After You've Gone. A fast tempo can convey excitement and energy, while a slow tempo can convey sadness or introspection. Additionally, the intended emotional impact of the song should also be taken into account. A fast tempo might be appropriate for a lively dance tune, whereas a slower tempo may better suit a love ballad. There are many factors to consider when choosing a tempo, such as the song's genre. As I also mentioned regarding the key, this process is similar to choosing a color palette before painting, as it will greatly influence the emotional effect the song has. Moving on, today I'd like to discuss tempo.Īlongside the key, setting the tempo is one of the first details to consider when writing or interpreting a song. In the previous article of the series How to project emotions through music, we talked about choosing your key.
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