Music Terminology: Duration, Rhythm, and Tempo

DURATION

• Definition: Refers to the length of time each note or rest is held in music.

BEAT

• Definition: The basic unit of time in a piece of music; it creates the regular pulse.

METRE

• Definition: The organization of beats into repeated groups.
  • Duple Metre: 2 beats per measure (bar).
  • Triple Metre: 3 beats per measure.
  • Quadruple Metre: 4 beats per measure.

TIME SIGNATURE

• Definition: Indicates how many beats are in each bar of music. It is written as a fraction and relates to the metre.
  • Examples: 2/4 (2 crotchet beats per bar), 3/4 (3 crotchet beats per bar), 4/4 (4 crotchet beats per bar).

NOTE VALUES

• Definition: Indicates the length of time each note is held. The main types include:
  • Semibreve: Whole note, lasts 4 beats.
  • Minim: Half note, lasts 2 beats.
  • Crotchet: Quarter note, lasts 1 beat.
  • Quaver: Eighth note, lasts 1/2 beat.
  • Semiquaver: Sixteenth note, lasts 1/4 beat.

RHYTHM PATTERNS

• Definition: Combinations of various note values and rests that create a unique pattern of long and short sounds.

TEMPO

• Definition: The speed or pace of a piece of music. Common terms include:
  • Largo: Very slow.
  • Andante: Moderately slow.
  • Moderato: Moderate speed.
  • Allegro: Fast.
  • Presto: Very fast.

OSTINATO

• Definition: A short repeated rhythmic pattern that serves as a musical foundation.

SYNCOPATION

• Definition: A rhythmic technique where accents are placed on the off-beats, creating a feeling of surprise or excitement.

RHYTHMIC LAYERS

• Definition: Identifying and describing the different instruments contributing rhythm to a musical piece, along with their specific roles.

RHYTHMIC DEVICES

• Examples of devices:
  • Rhythmic Ostinato: Repeated motifs in rhythm.
  • Syncopation: Off-beat accents.
  • Repetition: Repeating sections in music.
  • Swing Rhythm: A style that emphasizes a relaxed yet driving rhythm.
  • Rock Beat: Common in rock music, often uses a strong backbeat.

MIXED METRE

• Definition: A compositional technique where the time signature changes throughout the piece, creating varied rhythmic patterns.

RUBATO

• Meaning: "With freedom"; refers to expressive timing where musicians stretch or compress the rhythm for emotional effect.