Agogic

/əˈɡoʊdʒɪk/ adjective

Definition

In music, relating to emphasis or expression created by changes in timing or tempo rather than by loudness or dynamics.

Etymology

From Greek agoge (leading, directing), applied to music to describe the 'leading' or directing of listeners' attention through rhythmic manipulation rather than volume.

Kelly Says

Professional musicians know that the tiniest pause or tempo change can make you feel more emotion than blasting loud—agogic accents are basically how conductors weaponize anticipation.

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