What is a Metronome?
A metronome is a device to help musicians establish and internalize a steady tempo as they learn a piece of music. Metronomes produce an audible, regular beat, allowing for more even production of notes, especially in rhythmic passages. The beats per minute (BPM) can be adjusted to increase or decrease the tempo.
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Inventor
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Dutch inventor Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel created the first mechanical metronome in 1812. Credit is often given to Johann Mälzel, who patented a portable metronome in 1816 using some of Winkel's ideas.
Mechanics
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The first metronomes had a pendulum that swung on a pivot, with a fixed weight below and a sliding weight above to adjust the tempo. The pendulum marked an audible beat with each swing.
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Musical Applications
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In 1817 Beethoven became the first notable composer to include metronome markings in his compositions. Most pieces of music since that time include a suggested tempo in beats per minute.
Types
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Mechanical metronomes are wound by hand or with a key. Handheld, battery-powered metronomes produce an electronic pulse that can be both seen and heard. More recent versions include online metronomes and metronome applications for your cell phone.
Settings
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Standard metronome speeds range from 40 to 208 beats per minute. Settings correspond with tempo markings in a composition, from largo (40) to prestissimo (208).
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