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Chapter 2
Rhythm
Begins on page 10
Rhythm
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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
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
Notes last for a certain number or portions
of beats
The length of notes follows a 2:1 ratio
Meter
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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
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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 from
L’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
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►
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
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Rhythm
►
►
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►
Beat
Meter
Tempo
Notation of rhythm
Bizet: Farandole
Syncopation
Polyrhythm
Africa: “Mitamba Yalagala Kumchuzi”