perpetuum mobile
Latin composer
Definition
Perpetual motion — a passage or piece in which rapid, equal-valued notes (typically sixteenth notes or thirty-second notes) are maintained without interruption. Weber's piano writing frequently employs perpetuum-mobile textures in brilliant concert pieces, anticipating Chopin and Liszt.
Interpretive Guidance
In perpetuum-mobile passages, maintain absolute evenness of touch and strict rhythmic regularity. Any unevenness will be instantly audible. Practice with extreme finger articulation at half-speed before building tempo, ensuring each note speaks with identical weight.