Ludwig van Beethoven often used descriptive words for tempo markings instead of numerical BPM (beats per minute) values for several reasons, which reflect both the musical practices of his time and his personal circumstances.
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Historical Context: During Beethoven's lifetime (1770-1827), the metronome was a relatively new invention, and not all composers used it or relied on it for their compositions. While the device was patented in 1815 by Johann Maelzel, it wasn't universally adopted, and there was no standardized way of measuring tempo as we understand it today.
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Subjective Interpretation: Words like "Allegro," "Adagio," "Vivace," and "Andante" convey a sense of the character and mood of the music, which allows for a range of interpretations. Musical performance is often seen as an art that can vary based on context, emotional expression, and personal interpretation, which is something numerical BPM may not capture fully.
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Personal Experience: By the time Beethoven became profoundly deaf in his later years, his deep understanding of music, acquired through years of practice, composition, and performance, guided him in marking tempo. He likely relied on his internal sense of rhythm and tempo, developed through experience rather than any external device.
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Creative Expression: By using descriptive terms, Beethoven was able to communicate more than just speed; he could also convey the intended style, mood, and character of the music, which are essential aspects of interpretation.
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Tradition: It was customary for composers of his time to use textual descriptions for tempo markings. This tradition continued even as notation practices evolved, as composers sought to convey more nuanced aspects of rhythm and tempo.
In summary, Beethoven's choice to use descriptive words for tempo markings aligns with the musical practices of his era, allows for expressive interpretation, and reflects his deep understanding of music, even in the face of deafness.
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