How does rhythm differ from tempo in music?

In music, rhythm and tempo are distinct fundamental elements. While they are closely related, they serve different functions in a musical composition.12

• Tempo refers to the speed or pace at which the underlying beat of a piece is performed. It is typically measured in beats per minute (BPM) and dictates the overall rate of motion, contributing to the mood or feel of the music.1234
• Rhythm is the organization of sounds in time. It consists of patterns of duration—the arrangement of long and short sounds and silences—that occur within the framework of a steady pulse.21

A key distinction is that the rhythmic structure of a piece remains the same regardless of the speed at which it is played. For example, if you change the tempo of a melody, the relative duration of the notes—the rhythm—stays constant, even though the performance becomes faster or slower. Essentially, tempo defines how fast the music moves, while rhythm defines the specific pattern of the sounds themselves.14