Speedy Beet
Radiolab
00:00
Beethoven's Metronome Markings - Clerical Error?
Beethoven was deaf by 1814 and the metronome came out in 1817. In their haste they inadvertently put down the wrong numbers and sped up the pieces. Alice says what always happens when you put music in a room: You will play things a little bit slower to maintain the clarity. The tempo he wanted is almost designed to make us feel uncomfortable.
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