Which tempo marking corresponds to 40 BPM?

Which tempo marking corresponds to 40 BPM?

• A. Lento/Grave
• B. Andante
• C. Moderato
• D. Allegro

Answer: (A)

Tempo markings tell you how fast the music should feel, with BPM giving the exact speed. A tempo of 40 BPM is extremely slow and sits in the range described as Grave. Grave is the slowest common marking, often around 40–60 BPM, producing a weighty, deliberate pace. Lento is also slow, but it’s usually a bit faster than Grave, typically closer to 60–80 BPM, so 40 BPM fits Grave much better. Andante, Moderato, and Allegro describe progressively faster speeds (walking tempo, moderate speed, and fast lively tempo, respectively) and are far quicker than 40 BPM. So 40 BPM corresponds to Grave.

Tempo markings tell you how fast the music should feel, with BPM giving the exact speed. A tempo of 40 BPM is extremely slow and sits in the range described as Grave. Grave is the slowest common marking, often around 40–60 BPM, producing a weighty, deliberate pace. Lento is also slow, but it’s usually a bit faster than Grave, typically closer to 60–80 BPM, so 40 BPM fits Grave much better. Andante, Moderato, and Allegro describe progressively faster speeds (walking tempo, moderate speed, and fast lively tempo, respectively) and are far quicker than 40 BPM. So 40 BPM corresponds to Grave.