What are metronomes?

Metronome is a device, whether mechanical or electronic, used to maintain a constant rhythm for music practice and playing. Metronomers come in a number of shapes and sizes, and most of them are easily set to maintain different temples. Not all musicians use metronomers and some consider their use to contradict the feeling or passion that can be expressed in music. The first attempts to create a metronome were more or less failure. It was because of the disproportionate lengths needed to maintain even the slowest paces, which made it impossible to pace. Johann Maelzel took these ideas and began to produce a portable metronome for which he was awarded a patent in 1816. Its design is known as Maelzel Metronome. This reflects in the standard music notation "MM = 40", which means Maelzel Metronome. These early metronomers are considered to be quite inaccurate, as evidenced by a very fast speed placed on some pieces of time. The most famous is that it proves this in some works of Beethoven who startedUse the metronome in 1817, a year after its release.

The first metronomes were either set to move by just pushing the pendulum or using the winding device to drive for a longer period of time. Movement of small weight up or down and pendulum Set the pace slower or faster. As soon as electrical devices became common at the age of 30, many metronomers began to use electrical impulses to maintain time, often illuminated a small light giving visual allusion.

In the 80s, electronic metronomes became more common, allowing more functions and adaptation of pace and sound. Most metronomers generate simple "clicks" in every rhythm, with modern metronomes also added chiming sound at the beginning of every new measure. Some electronic metronomers - especially those found on computers - allow you to adapt sounds.

Metronome is often recommended by studentsM music as a valuable instrument that will help them learn to maintain a stable pace. For example, if specific music is difficult, the musician may be tempted to slow down while playing; The metronome reminds him of keeping his consistent pace. Some musicians find that practicing or playing with a metronome creates a "mechanical" feeling, but leaves less space for "rocking" or flexibility. In addition, some types of music cannot be played on the rhythm of the metronome.