- published: 10 Mar 2012
- views: 552511
A metronome is any device that produces regular, metrical ticks (beats, clicks) — settable in beats per minute. These ticks represent a fixed, regular aural pulse; some metronomes also include synchronized visual motion (e.g. pendulum-swing). The metronome dates from the early 19th century, where it was patented by Johann Maelzel in 1815 as a tool for musicians, under the title "Instrument/Machine for the Improvement of all Musical Performance, called Metronome".
In the 20th century and especially today the metronome is generally positively regarded in Europe and Western culture. The metronome is used by some musicians for practice in maintaining a consistent tempo with steady regular beats and it can be used by composers, as an approximate way of specifying the tempo.
Yet in stark contrast with this positive view, research on the history of the metronome and its influence on performance practice reveals criticisms of metronome use, and highlights differences of "performance practice" and cultural perception/values between the current modern European/Western society (which values the metronome), and the same society during previous times (beginning of the 19th century and earlier: classical/romantic/baroque eras etc.).
Still know exactly where to go
still know exactly what is home
dont dance like monkey clap no hands
and clap no feet to no stagnant beat
still know exactly where to go
still trying to break the metronome
sometimes i here the beat so loud
i can hardly think without the metronome
to keep the mind in time metronome
to keep the kid in line only thing we should
be trying is to find a way to break away
so another one fell to the great prozac nation
a couple little pills kiss goodbye to feeling ill and
aggression
redundant phrases said and said by a bunch of smiling
heads
in the land of the undead i got a question about these
actions
planning for the future crunching numbers on computers
let me ask you. in a healthy life with triggered
laughing
if everyones unhappy whys the metronome still clapping
so another one dead what a great misfortune
blew off his fuckin head must have ran out of the meds
prescribed him drugs and tv alibis parents wonder why
as they shake their heads in time i got a question
about these actions planning for the future crunching
numbers
on computers let me ask you in a healthy life with
triggered laughing
if everyones unhappy whys the metronome still clapping