Download Metrical Patterns and Melodic Rhythms

Metrical Patterns and
Melodic Rhythms
Throughout the ages, mathematicians have sought out
patterns of numbers. This is because humans are drawn to
patterns and find their regularity and repetition comforting.
The same is true of musicians and the music they create or
play.
Ted Ed talk on patterns and rhythms in music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lo8EomDrwA
Ma na ma na (for those of you who had no idea what song the Ted Ed video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N_tupPBtWQ
Mixing Meters
-Composers sometimes mix meters to create an interesting rhythmic organization in their
music. This is true of some classical compositions and of the traditional and popular music
associated with many cultures.
-Sometimes, two music categories merge. A good example of this is in the music of Russsian
classical composer Nicolai Rimsky-Korsavov. Many of his pieces, which employ mixed meters,
draw on the traditional music of his Eastern European homeland.
Procession of the Nobles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBdKlNsuPd4
Hear the example go from triple, to duple, then back to triple.
As you listen to the music, clap on the accent beats and pat your hands on your legs for the
others.
Melodic Rhythm
-Sometimes, the rhythm pattern of a composition’s melody is so distinctive that
you can “hear” the melody just by clapping it.
-try clapping the rhythm to “Happy Birthday”, but don’t sing it at the same
time. Notice you can still sense what the
piece is without the additional
element of pitch.
Ludwig van Beethoven used a simple melodic rhythm for the opening section of
the Second Movement of his Symphony No. 7.
-Listen to the music first, then tap the rhythmic pattern at the beginning of
the piece.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, Second Movement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J12zprD7V1k