Metronome

The metronome is a tool used by musicians of all levels to help keep time and practice tempo. MOTAL’s Wittner metronome is a replica that was developed in 1890 by Arthur Gough Pinfold “to provide a simple, cheap, efficient, noiseless, and readily portable instrument” for indicating different times in music. The instrument was distributed by Wittner Metronome to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1995. It consists of two parts: (1) an adjustable, rocking C-frame slide and (2) a support stand for the base. It is 11 inches tall. The round weight at the lower end of the C-frame provides the momentum to keep the metronome moving at a steady beat. The adjustable weight on the top of the C-frame can be placed at a variety of tempos from 48 to 138 beats per minute.
Brief History
In the 19th century, as classical music reached new heights in popularity, the need for a device capable of accurately measuring tempo with the ability to accommodate a variety of songs emerged. In 1815 Johann Nepomuk Maelzel successfully patented the metronome with a numbered scale that could maintain a range of tempos, even slow enough for European classical music of the time. However, the invention was not entirely Maelzel’s. A year earlier, in 1814, Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel discovered through experimentation with pendulums that “a pendulum weighted on both sides could beat steady time.” Maelzel adopted Winkel’s ideas as his own and began producing metronomes for the musical community. In 1817, Ludwig van Beethoven became one of the first composers to include Maelzel Metronome (MM) tempo indications for his first eight symphonies. In 1895 Gustav Wittner founded a mechanical factory to produce metronomes, and his son, Rudolf Wittner, expanded the business to a medium-sized industrial plant based in Germany. Since then, the company continues to grow and provide metronomes and other musical accessories to musicians around the world. Unlike the traditional metronome, the Wittner model does not make a sound, and the metronome must be within the musician’s line of vision for the musician to see the beat. Donors MOTAL’s Wittner metronome is on loan from Norma and Jeff Ames, both lifelong dancers and musically inclined individuals. For many years Norma owned a music store, and she currently represents Wittner Metronome at the annual NAMM convention. Jeff plays the piano. |
Learn More!
If you would like to learn more about the metronome, we recommend the following:
If you would like to learn more about the metronome, we recommend the following:
- "The History of the Metronome" by ThePiano.SG Staff
- "Metronome History" by StringQuest
- Prelude: Music Makes Us Baseline Research Report by Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (2013) (PDF)
- "Music and Learning: A Joyful Connection" by Liz Buchanan (Lesley University)