Chapter 2

Rhythm

Begins on page 10

Rhythm

Rhythm is the term for the flow of music through time

All music takes place in time

Beat

The beat is one aspect of rhythm► It is the pulse you march or dance to► Beats are the way music is measured► Beats are usually steady

Notation of Rhythm

Notes last for a certain number or portions of beats

The length of notes follows a 2:1 ratio

Meter

Meter is the pattern of the beats (not the notes)

The pattern is created when certain beats are emphasized consistently

Most patterns of beats occur in twos, threes, or fours

Notation of Rhythm

Meter is indicated in notation by vertical lines

They create units called measures

The meter signature is two numbers aligned vertically

They tell the number of beats in a measure (upper) and the type of note that equals one beat (lower)

Tempo

Tempo is the term for the speed of the beats (again, not the notes)► Indicated by a general term, usually a word in

Italian► Can also be indicated by a metronome marking

the number of beats per minute

Bizet: Farandole fromL’Arlésienne, Suite No. 2

As you listen to Farandole, notice

Its march-like quality

Its steady beat

Its two- or four-beat meter

Where the tempo changes and becomes faster

Copyright © 2010 by Schirmer Cengage Learning

Syncopation

Syncopation happens when ► the rhythmic emphasis occurs where it is not

expected ► or removed where it is expected

Polyrhythm

Polyrhythm occurs when two or more rhythmic patterns are performed at the same time► They are heard in some twentieth-century

music and are a feature of African music► “Mitamba Yalagala Kumchuzi”

Summary

Rhythm► Beat► Meter► Tempo

Notation of rhythm Bizet: Farandole Syncopation Polyrhythm Africa: “Mitamba Yalagala Kumchuzi”