Explain the effect and importance of tempo in a piece of music. Use accurate terminology. Be as specific as possible. Give examples to support your ideas?

Tempo, the speed at which a piece of music is played, profoundly influences its emotional character and overall impact. For instance, a fast tempo, like Allegro, can evoke excitement and energy, as heard in Beethoven's "Symphony No. 7," while a slow tempo, such as Adagio, can create a sense of melancholy or introspection, evident in Chopin's Nocturnes. Additionally, tempo changes, or rubato, can add expressiveness, allowing performers to convey nuanced emotions, as seen in many Romantic compositions. Ultimately, tempo serves as a crucial framework that shapes the listener's experience and the piece's interpretative depth.