How does it work?

Invented by Johann Nepomuk Maelzel in 1814, it includes a pendulum with a weight attached to it. It is powered by a wind-up spring.

As the pendulum swings, it makes a steady beating sound. The frequency of the beat is adjusted by sliding the weight up or down the pendulum (moving the weight down increases the speed of the beat).

Tick marks on the pendulum align with numbers on the face of the metronome. This allows precise settings from 40 to 208 beats per minute. For example, moving the weight to the 60 mark will cause the metronome to beat 60 times per minute.

Electronic metronomes equipped with an adjustable dial and a flashing light instead of a pendulum are also available.

How are metronome markings used in music?

Composers sometimes indicate the tempo of the music by adding a metronome marking above the staff.

For example:

• If a quarter note is set equal to 80, then the tempo is based on a beat that occurs 80 times per minute with the quarter note being equal to one beat.

• If a half note is set equal to 60, then the tempo is based on a beat that occurs 60 times per minute with the half note being equal to one beat.

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