The Metronome MarkingsWhat is the meaning of M. M. = 72 printed over a piece of music?The M stands for "metronome," the other for the name of its inventor, Maelzl. The figures indicate the number of beats a minute and the note shows what each beat represents—in this case a quarter note. The whole annotation says that the average speed of the piece should admit of seventy-two quarter notes being played in a minute. I advise you, however,rather to consult the state of your technique and your own feeling for what is musically right in deciding upon the speed of the piece.
The Metronome Markings
What is the meaning of M. M. = 72 printed over a piece of music?
The M stands for "metronome," the other for the name of its inventor, Maelzl. The figures indicate the number of beats a minute and the note shows what each beat represents—in this case a quarter note. The whole annotation says that the average speed of the piece should admit of seventy-two quarter notes being played in a minute. I advise you, however,rather to consult the state of your technique and your own feeling for what is musically right in deciding upon the speed of the piece.