*Chapter 2: Rhythm and Meter

The element that propels music forward in time is

Rhythm

The basic unit of rhythm is

beat

The number of beats in a measure determines the

meter

The first accented beat of each metric pattern is known as the

Downbeat

in duple meter, the accent is typically on which beat?

First

In triple meter, the strongest accent is typically on which beats

First

an accented beat followed by two weak beats indicates a ___ meter.

Triple

In quadruple meter, the second strongest accent is typically on which beat?

Third

Which of the following is not a simple meter?

compound

In compound meter, the beats divide into groups of

Three

When a melody begins before a downbeat it is said to begin on a

upbeat

____ is created when the regular accent is shifted to a weak beat or a offbeat

Syncopation

music that moves without a strong sense of of beat is

nonmetric

in notation, are regular groupings of beats marked off in measures?

yes, these groupings are called bars or measures.

Does a down beat coincide with the upward stroke of a conductors hand.

no, a downbeat coincides with the downward stroke of a conductor's hand.

Are simple meters, meters in which the beats are divided into 3

No, simple meters are characterized by beats divided into 2.

Are accents between the beats called offbeats?

Yes, offbeats are the weak beats that occur between the strong beats in a measure.

Is playing music in two simultaneous rhythms known as polyrhythm?

No, polyrhythm refers to the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms, often characterized by different meter types.

Does polyphony occur when several meters are played simultaneously?

Yes, polyphony is a musical texture involving two or more independent melodic lines often played at the same time, which can include different meters.

Do all music have strong desirable beat?

No, not all music has a strong desirable beat; some musical styles emphasize subtler rhythms and can be more fluid in their beat structure.

Rhythm

The controlled movement of music in time.

- propels music forward in time

Beat

Regular pulsation: a basic unit of length in musical time.

accented

The emphasis on a beat resulting in its being louder or longer than another in a measure.

Meters

Organization of rhythm in time; The grouping of beats into larger, regular patterns, notates as measures.

Measures

Metric grouping of beats; notated on the musical staff with bar lines. Also Bar.

measure lines (bar)

Vertical lines on a staff that separate measures, or bars

What does each individual note have?

length, or duration- some long and some short

Each measure contains a fixed number of beats. How is the first beat different?

First beat usually receives the strongest accent.

What does meter organize music?

The flow of rhythm

Duple meter

Basic metrical pattern of two beats to a measure

- Alternates a strong downbeat with a weak beat.

Triple meter

basic metrical pattern of three beats to a measure

- one strong beat and two weak ones.

- usually associated with dances such as the waltz and the minuet.

- The accent is typically on the first beat

Quadruple meter

Basic metrical pattern of four beats to a measure. Also common time.

Simple meters

A meter in which the beat is divided into two, as in duple, triple, and quadruple meters.

Compound meters

Meter in which each main beat subdivides into three rather than 2; 6/8 is a common example

Sextuple meter

Compound metrical pattern of 6 beats to a measure

upbeat

The last beat of a measure, a weak beat that anticipates the downbeat

Downbeat

first beat of a measure, the strongest in any meter.

Downward stroke of a conductor's hand

Syncopation

Deliberate upsetting of the meter or pulse through a temporary shifting of the accent to a weak beat or an offbeat to create rhythmic interest

Offbeat

a weak beat or weak portion of a beat

Polyrhythm

The simultaneous use of several rhythmic patterns or meters, common in twentieth-century music and in certain African musics.

Additive

Patterns of beats that are subdivided into smaller, irregular groups, common in some Eastern European and non-Western music

nonmetric

Music lacking a strong sense of beat or meter, common in certain non-Western cultures.

What are metrical patterns?

Regularly recurring patterns in music: Duple, Triple, Quadruple Meters.

What does the number of beats in a measure determine?

Meter

What is a common way composers create rhythmic interest?

Syncopation- by shifting the accent to a weak beat. AKA offbeat.

What meters can only be classified as a compound?

Sextuple