varying tempi

/ˈveəriɪŋ ˈtɛmpiː/

noun phrase

  1. Different or changing speeds in a piece of music or performance, often used to add expressiveness or highlight different sections.

    B2

    plural; tempi is the plural of tempoformal

    • "The piece moves through varying tempi."B1
    • "The conductor used varying tempi to create contrast between the peaceful and dramatic sections."B2
    • "The composition’s varying tempi reflect the unstable emotional state of its central character."C1

Collocations

varying tempi throughout the piececontrasting tempirapidly changing tempi

Word family

tempotempivaryvariation