change the tempo gradually

verb phrase

1. In music: to make a piece or passage go faster or slower in small, smooth steps rather than jumping to a new speed all at once.

   B2

   verb + object + adverb; transitive; the adverb 'gradually' normally comes after 'the tempo'neutral, common in music teaching and score directions

   • "The teacher told us to change the tempo gradually at the end of the song."B1
   • "Instead of suddenly playing faster, change the tempo gradually so the dancers can follow you."B2
   • "The conductor chose to change the tempo gradually through the transition, letting the tension build almost imperceptibly."C1

2. By extension: to alter the speed, pace, or intensity of any activity little by little, so the shift is hardly noticeable.

   C1

   used with activities, stories, plans, and processes as the object

   • "If you want the team to work faster, change the tempo gradually instead of demanding everything at once."B2
   • "The narrator changes the tempo gradually, moving from leisurely description to short, urgent sentences."C1