Finding interpretations: A comprehensive tempo analysis of phrases from commercial recordings of the Hummel Trumpet Concerto using tempo maps in Pro Tools

This document examines 37 different commercial recordings of the Hummel Trumpet Concerto’s First Movement by calculating their rhythmic phrasing and tempos using Avid’s Pro Tools to create a tempo map for each performance. By creating a tempo map as described in the step-by-step guide in this paper, each performance can be defined by a series of fluctuations in tempo, both perceptible and imperceptible, that allow a clearer understanding and visual representation that can then be studied, imitated, or compared to other performances. The contents of this document serve two purposes: (1) to describe the complete methodology for creating and plotting tempo data and (2) providing a sample analysis of the Hummel to demonstrate the capabilities of this process. Data collected for this project includes beat-by-beat tempo analysis, mean BPM, standard deviation, tempo change by beat, head-to-head tempo differences between all performers, average tempo by beat for all performers, and average tempo change by beat for all performers.
This document addresses the question of how to help a student learn to play with natural musicality. By accurately defining and visualizing a professional's rhythmic phrasing, a student can develop an understanding of appropriate musical pacing and use this information to create their own personal interpretations. Through studying the Hummel, it has been concluded that although there are many differences between performers, there are certain places in the music where the tempo fluctuations are virtually all in agreement. These locations also reveal a preference for tempo increases on beat 2 and tempo decreases on beats 1 and 4. The results from the data analysis show potential for this type of work to indicate proper performance practice for an analyzed work's genre and time period.