A metronome is any device that produces a regulated aural,
visual or tactile pulse to establish a steady tempo in the
performance of music. It is a useful practice tool for musicians
that dates back to the early 19th century. metron = measure,
nomos = regulating The mechanical metronome was invented by
Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel in Amsterdam in 1812. Johann Mälzel
copied several of Winkel's construction ideas and received the
patent for the portable metronome in 1816. Ludwig van Beethoven
was the first notable composer to indicate specific metronome
markings in his music, in 1817. Metronomes may be used by
musicians when practicing in order to maintain a constant tempo;
by adjusting the metronome, facility can be achieved at varying
tempi. Even in pieces that do not require a strictly constant
tempo (such as in the case of rubato), a metronome "marking" is
sometimes given by the composer to give an indication of the
general tempo intended, found in the score at the beginning of a
piece or movement thereof. Temp