agogics

Definitions

noun In musical theory, a term used by Hugo Riemann (from about 1884) for the general principle, in performance, that dynamic variations are, or should be, combined with slight variations in rhythmical regularity if the full expressiveness of a phrase is to be brought out. What is called tempo rubato (which see, under tempo) belongs to the field of agogics.

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Weight playing permits nothing to interfere with discriminative phrasing, complicated rhythmical problems, the infinitely subtle variation of time for expressive purposes now classed under the head of agogics, all shades of dynamic gradation; in fact everything that falls in the domain of the artist pianist.

Great Pianists on Piano Playing Study Talks with Foremost Virtuosos. A Series of Personal Educational Conferences with Renowned Masters of the Keyboard, Presenting the Most Modern Ideas upon the Subjects of Technic, Interpretation, Style and Expression James Francis Cooke 1917
Allegro of the same duration in stormy block chords that begin to skitter in broken agogics, almost a galloping Debussy or Bartok etude.

Audiophile Audition Headlines 2010
The syncopations and agogics can fluster some pianists, but

Audiophile Audition Headlines 2010
The syncopes and animated agogics in the bass line become torrential, only to burst forth in clarion bell-peals of emotional triumph.

Audiophile Audition Headlines 2010