A gradual increase in tempo, creating forward momentum and building excitement in the music. Unlike a sudden tempo change, accelerando creates a smooth transition that can heighten dramatic tension or propel the music toward a climax.
From Italian 'accelerare,' meaning 'to accelerate' or 'to quicken,' derived from Latin 'accelerare.' The term became standard in musical notation during the Classical period as composers sought more precise ways to indicate tempo modifications and expressive timing.
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