All Flashcards
What is a time signature?
Blueprint of rhythm, indicating beats per measure and note value receiving one beat.
Define 'simple meter'.
Meter where each beat is divided into two equal parts.
Define 'compound meter'.
Meter where each beat is divided into three equal parts.
Define 'duple meter'.
Two beats per measure.
Define 'triple meter'.
Three beats per measure.
Define 'quadruple meter'.
Four beats per measure.
Define 'asymmetrical meter'.
Meter with beats that don't divide evenly.
What is the 'downbeat'?
The first, and usually strongest, beat of a measure.
What are 'offbeats'?
The weaker beats in a measure.
What is an 'upbeat'?
The last beat of a measure leading into the next downbeat; also called an anacrusis.
Define 'hemiola'.
Rhythmic effect where the meter is temporarily altered by conflicting rhythms.
What is 'anacrusis'?
A note or sequence of notes which precedes the first downbeat in a bar or phrase.
What does 'C' as a time signature represent?
Common time, which is 4/4.
What does 'C' with a line through it represent?
Cut time, which is 2/2.
Identify the meter: Music with a 'straight' feel.
Simple meter.
Identify the meter: Music with a 'triplet' feel.
Compound meter.
Identify the meter: Music with two beats per measure.
Duple meter.
Identify the meter: Music with three beats per measure.
Triple meter.
Identify the meter: Music with four beats per measure.
Quadruple meter.