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Tempo Manipulation

This example demonstrates tempo control and musical timing features in ossia score.

Overview

ossia score supports variable tempo throughout a composition, allowing accelerando, ritardando, and complex tempo changes.

Tempo features

ossia score provides several tempo-related features:

Feature Description
Tempo process Sets a fixed tempo
Tempo automation Gradual tempo changes
Time signatures Beat groupings
Quantization Snap to beats
Audio stretch Tempo-synced audio

Variable tempo

Unlike most DAWs, ossia score supports:

  • Different tempos in different sections
  • Smooth transitions between tempos
  • Modulated tempo (LFO, random, etc.)
  • Independent timing for sub-scenarios

Working with tempo

To change tempo in a project:

  1. Add a Tempo process to an interval
  2. Set the desired BPM
  3. Audio files can time-stretch to match
  4. MIDI notes quantize to the beat grid

Musical applications

Variable tempo is useful for:

  • Film scoring (following picture)
  • Live performance (flexible timing)
  • Experimental music (non-metric time)
  • Interactive installations

Try it

Open this example to hear tempo changes affecting audio playback!

Download this example

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