Why did Beethoven use words for the tempo marking and not the actual BPM (Beats per minute) number?
There were no stable metronomes in his day
He was deaf
He was fluent in Italian
He was ahead of his time
All of these answers can contribute to why Beethoven used words for tempo markings instead of actual BPM numbers.
Firstly, during Beethoven's time, stable and reliable metronomes were not readily available. Metronomes were invented later in the early 19th century, after Beethoven's death. Therefore, he did not have access to a precise method of measuring and indicating the exact number of beats per minute.
Secondly, Beethoven's increasing hearing loss throughout his life affected his ability to perceive and accurately sense the passing of time and rhythm. As his deafness progressed, it became more challenging for him to perceive specific nuances and identify highly precise tempos by ear alone. Consequently, using words allowed him to convey his intended tempo more effectively.
Thirdly, Beethoven was well-versed in Italian, which was the established language of music during his time. Italian was commonly used in music terminology and instruction, and many musical terms, including tempo markings, were commonly expressed in Italian. Using Italian words for the tempo markings was customary and more familiar to musicians and composers of that era.
Lastly, Beethoven was known for pushing the boundaries of traditional composition and experimenting with innovative musical techniques. He was often ahead of his time in terms of musical style and expression. Using descriptive words for tempo markings instead of specific BPM numbers may have been a personal artistic choice that allowed him to convey his musical intentions in a more subjective and emotional manner.
Therefore, a combination of factors including the unavailability of stable metronomes, Beethoven's hearing impairment, his fluency in Italian, and his forward-thinking approach to music likely influenced his decision to use words for tempo markings instead of the now commonly used BPM numbers.