Compositional Devices & Tempo in Jazz: Sequence, Imitation, Pedal Point, and Tempo Markings

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Last updated 9:42 AM on 7/30/26
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33 Terms

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SEQUENCE

A melodic, rhythmic or harmonic pattern, that is repeated immediately after at a different pitch

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IMITATION

The repetition of a melody, phrase or idea by a different voice or instrument

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OSTINATO

A repeating pattern, either rhythmic, melodic or a combo of both that usually has an accompanying role (called a riff in pop/contemporary music)

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PEDAL POINT

A note repeated or sustained (usually in the bass part) while harmony in the other parts change. When repeated note appears in a voice other than the bass - it's usually referred to as an inverted pedal point.

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GRAVE

Very slow, solemn, 20-40bpm. In Jazz = ballad (very very slow)

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LARGO

Broadly, 40-60bpm. In Jazz = ballad (very slow)

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LARGHETTO

Rather broadly, 60-66bpm. In Jazz = slow ballad

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ADAGIO

Slow, stately, 66-76bpm. In Jazz = slow swing

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ANDANTE

Walking pace, 76-108bpm. In Jazz = medium-slow swing

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ANDANTINO

Slightly faster walking pace, 80-108bpm. In Jazz = laid-back medium

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MODERATO

Moderately, 108-120bpm. In Jazz = medium swing

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ALLEGRETTO

Moderately fast, 98-120bpm. In Jazz = bright medium

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ALLEGRO

Fast and lively, 120-168bpm. In Jazz = up-tempo

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VIVACE

Lively, 140-176bpm. In Jazz = fast swing/bebop tempo

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PRESTO

Very fast, 168-200bpm. In Jazz = very fast/burning tempo

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PRESTISSIMO

Extremely fast, 200+bpm. In Jazz = explosive/breakneck speed

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AGITATO

Agitated

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APPASSIONATO

Passionate

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ANIMATO

Animated, lively

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CANTABILE

Singing (lyrical and flowing)

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CON BRIO

With gusto

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DOLCE

Sweet

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ENERGICO

Energetic, strong, forceful

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ESPRESSIVO

Expressive

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LEGGIERO

Light, gentle

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MAESTOSO

Majestic, stately

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PESANTE

Heavy

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SCHERZANDO

Playful

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SOSTENUTO

Sustained

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HEAD

The main melody or theme of the tune, usually played at the beginning and end of a performance.

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VAMP

A short, repeating musical passage or chord progression played until a cue is given to move on.

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CHART

Musical score

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COMP

Accompanying or complementing by playing chords and rhythms to support a soloist.