What is the difference between Time Signature and Tempo?

Question

Hi there, I'm trying learn about time signatures. It was all going well until I got confused, completely.

I know what each part of a Time signature means, i.e. the top being the beats per measure and the bottom being which note takes that beat.

My problem is, does a time signature set the tempo for a piece of music? Or is the tempo set by using words such as, slowly, fast etc... but in Italian? In that case, what is the time signature for?

My original opinion was that a time signature set the speed of the music, because when taking piano lessons I'd usually get a song in 4/4, which was played relatively slow, which suggested to me that ALL songs in this timing were slow and songs in other time signatures such as 3/4 & 2/4 were faster because there are less beats in a bar.

I am really confused. Please Help!

Thank you :-)

Answer 1

Okay, time signature only tells you how many beats are in a bar using what measures. Sometimes it is influenced by speed, such as when a piece could be written in 4/4 but if it is really fast it will most commonly be written in cut common time, which is 2/2 (2 minims or half notes per bar).

Tempo has no control over the bars or the note values. It basically just tells you an approximation of what to put in your metronome. It is expressed using words like maestoso, allegro, presto etc.



I hope I helped you understand :)

Answer 2

Tempo is the speed of a piece.

Time Signature determines what note gets the beat for certain or all measures and what can be played in those measures. Ex: 4/4. Bottom number sets the beat, in this case the quarter note does, and the top means how many beats that are in the measures, there are 4 in this case, so it can be 4 quarter notes, 2 half notes, 1 whole note, etc in a measure as long as it equals 4 beats.

Answer 3

They both refer to the same thing; the manner in which you sign your name on a piece of paper. The difference is this. An autograph has a status, which a signature does not. Autographs are usually given by famous people to their adoring fans. You and I unfortunately do not belong in the same group. The only exciting thing that we will be asked to do is to put our `signature' on income tax returns, life insurance policies, cheque leaves and what have you.

Answer 4

allegro maestoso croctchet 144 minim 72 what does this indicate which speed could i follow