Factors That Influence Tempo
LARGE CONGREGATIONS tend to sing a little more deliberately (slower) than smaller ones. However, a large congregation cannot be allowed to drag the tempo down beyond reason.
Other factors dealing with the nature of the congregation itself can also affect the tempo of hymn singing. Most important among these is LOCAL CUSTOM. If a congregation becomes accustomed to singing a hymn “a certain way,” too much change all at once might be frustrating to the singer and ultimately unwise of the organist. On the other hand, an organist can learn how to teach a congregation gently, without sending signals of change that seem abrupt.
Another factor is the AGE of the congregation. Older congregations often prefer to sing slower, although this is not necessarily the case.
