Rhythm Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is rhythm?
The pattern of note lengths and silences in music
What is a beat?
The regular pulse in music
What is tempo?
The speed of the beat (e.g. slow, fast, allegro, andante)
What is a semibreve?
A note that lasts 4 beats
What is a crotchet?
A note that lasts 1 beat
What is a quaver?
A note that lasts half a beat
What is a dotted note?
A note with a dot adds half its value again
What is a minim?
A note that lasts 2 beats
What is syncopation?
When the emphasis is placed on weak beats, or offbeats
What is a triplet?
Three notes played in the time of two
What is polyrhythm?
Two or more contrasting rhythms played at the same time
What is cross-rhythm?
Two different rhythms that cross each other (e.g. 3 against 2)
What is augmentation?
Rhythms made longer
What is diminution?
Rhythms made shorter
What is a time signature?
A symbol that shows how many beats are in a bar and what kind of note gets the beat
What is simple time?
Time signatures where beats divide into 2 (e.g. 2/4, 3/4, 4/4)
What is compound time?
Time signatures where beats divide into 3 (e.g. 6/8, 9/8, 12/8)
What is free time?
Music with no strict metre or regular beat
How can rhythm affect mood?
Fast rhythms can add excitement; slow rhythms create calm or tension
What rhythmic features are common in pop music?
Strong backbeat, syncopation, regular pulse
How does rhythm differ in Baroque music?
Often uses motor rhythms (repetitive, driving patterns)
