Ebook: Rhythm and tempo: A study in music history

This is the first book to trace the history of rhythm and tempo in its entirety. Rhythm is the foundation of all music. Tempo is perhaps the most controversial of all musical subjects. Curt Sachs brings to this study a vast knowledge of the musical lore of all cultures, East and West, from the most distant past to the present. His full interpretation of the wealth of material he has brought together gives the reader new insights into basic musical principles and dispels many misconceptions commonly held by musicians and music lovers.

To the informative and scholarly importance of the book must be added its great practical value for all musicians — professional or amateur — who will find in it material aid and sound advice on the performance and interpretation of music.

More than two hundred musical examples, ranging from the native songs of Asian and African jungles to rumba, jazz, and Stravinsky, add greatly to the interest of the book.

Curt Sachs is the author of notable works in this field, among them The Rise of Music in the Ancient World and World History of the Dance.