sudden shift in tempo in music

noun phrase

1. an abrupt, often surprising change in the speed at which a piece of music is performed or felt, either faster or slower, whether written in the score or created by the performers

   B2

   countable noun phrase; often used with 'a'neutral; music

   • "There is a sudden shift in tempo in the middle of the song."B1
   • "The sudden shift in tempo surprised the dancers and made them change their steps."B2
   • "The conductor signaled a sudden shift in tempo, and the orchestra slowed down."B2
   • "The composer uses a sudden shift in tempo to create tension just before the final section."C1