List of explicitly indicated tempo markings.  Every tempo indicator is captured here, whether mentioned in the urlar only, or in later variations, or both.

Collections are limited to primary source materials, both from pipers and non-pipers, up to 1854.

Titles are listed as written in the originating source collection.  PS numbers link to the relevant Tune Page in the web site.  You may sort the table to compare sources and tempos.

Original work done by Allan Speedy, 2017.

The following is a list of definitions taken from MacKay’s book, with BPM ranges taken from a 19th Century Paquet de Maelzel metronome, contemporary with Angus MacKay.  Modern BPM ranges are given in parentheses.

• Adagio – “very slow and expressive” 98-126 bpm (66-76 bpm)
• Andante – “a little faster than Andantino” 126-152 bpm (76-108 ppm)
• Andantino – “slow and distinct movement” (although this term has always been uncertain throughout its history)
• Allegro – “synonymous with siubhal, a lively movement or variation” 152-182 bpm (120-139 ppm)
• Vite – “quick” (French)

Mode indicators (French, Italian): these are not the standard, dominant tempo indicators, but are related to tempo, insofar as they describe the mode or style of execution expected.

• Legerement – “light”
• Animato – “animatedly, lively”

 – J David Hester 2017