Rhythm, Metre and Tempo Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is metre?
Metre refers to the organisation of beats into regular patterns, usually grouped in duple, triple or quadruple time.
What’s the difference between simple and compound metre?
Simple metre: Beats divide into two (2/4, 3/4, 4/4)
Compound metre: Beats divide into three (6/8, 9/8, 12/8)
What does 6’8 time mean?
6/8 is a compound duple metre (two strong beats per bar, each subdividing into three)
What is the difference between tempo and rhythm?
Tempo= Speed of the music (BPM)
Rhythm= Pattern of notes and rests in relation to the beat.
What are common Italian tempo markings?
Largo- Very slow
Adagio- Slow
Andante- Walking pace
Moderato- Moderate speed
Allegro- Fast
Presto- Very fast
Accelerando- Gradually speeding up
Ritardando- Gradually slowing down
What is syncopation?
A rhythm that accents off-beats or weak beats, making the rhythm feel unexpected.
What is polyrhythm?
Two or more contrasting rhythms played at the same time
What is cross-rhythm?
A type of polyrhythm where two conflicting rhythms play together (triplets against quavers)
What is a hemiola?
A rhythmic device where music shifts from 3/4 to 6/8 feel ( two bars of 3/4 sound like one bar of 3/2)
What is a triplet?
A group of three notes played in the time of two, creating a swung or uneven feel.
What is a dotted rhythm?
A rhythm where a dotted note is followed by a shorter not, making is sound uneven.
