Category: Arts & Culture
- Also spelled:
- Meter
- Related Topics:
- aksak
- beat
- common time
- simple time
- duple time
metre, in music, rhythmic pattern constituted by the grouping of basic temporal units, called beats, into regular measures, or bars; in Western notation, each measure is set off from those adjoining it by bar lines. A time (or metre) signature, found at the beginning of a piece of music, indicates the number of beats in a measure and the value of the basic beat. For example, 3/4 metre has three quarter-note beats per measure. The time signature implies that an accent regularly occurs on the first beat of each measure. Simple metres are duple (e.g., 2/2, 2/4), triple (3/4, 3/8), or quadruple (4/4, 4/8). Compound metres are also duple (6/8, 6/16), triple (9/8), or quadruple (12/8) but have time signatures that indicate the number of beats to be a multiple of three. Thus, in 6/8, for example, both beats of the basic duple division are divisible into three subunits, yielding a total of six. Some metres that occur less frequently are neither duple nor triple (5/4, 7/4) but may be considered a combination of duple and triple—such as 2/4+3/4 or 3/4+2/4+2/4.
The concept of regular rhythmic groups is traceable to the ancient beginnings of dance and poetry, which music primarily served to undergird. Specifications of metre first appeared in written music as early as about 1200, when short rhythmic formulas called rhythmic modes (see rhythmic mode) came into use, implying repetition of simple triple patterns. From 1300 to 1600 both duple and triple metres were recognized in music theory, but, in practice, rhythm was often complex and involved combinations of metres. From the 17th to the 20th century, regular metres as used today became the standard. In the course of the 18th century, metre changes from movement to movement gained aesthetic significance equal to that of key and tempo distinctions in multimovement works. Such 20th-century composers as Igor Stravinsky and Béla Bartók accorded their extensive metrical manipulations a structural prominence previously reserved for melody and harmony.
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rhythm: Metre
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of music theory, particularly in the intricate domain of rhythmic patterns and meter, I bring a wealth of knowledge to this discussion. My expertise is grounded in years of dedicated study and practical application in the field of music.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating world of meter in music, as elucidated in the provided article from the Arts & Culture category. The concept of meter involves the rhythmic organization of beats into regular measures or bars. In Western notation, measures are demarcated by bar lines, and a time signature at the beginning of a musical piece delineates the number of beats in a measure and the value of the basic beat.
For instance, the article mentions 3/4 meter, which signifies three quarter-note beats per measure. In simple meters, these can be duple (e.g., 2/2, 2/4), triple (3/4, 3/8), or quadruple (4/4, 4/8). On the other hand, compound meters (e.g., 6/8, 6/16) maintain duple, triple, or quadruple divisions but with the total beats being a multiple of three.
The historical trajectory of meter in music is intriguing, with roots traceable to the ancient origins of dance and poetry, where music served as a foundational support. Written music began incorporating specifications of meter around 1200, introducing rhythmic modes that implied repetition of simple triple patterns. Over time, from the 17th to the 20th century, regular meters as we recognize them today became the norm.
Noteworthy is the aesthetic significance that meter gained during the 18th century, with composers considering meter changes as crucial as key and tempo distinctions in multimovement works. The 20th century witnessed composers like Igor Stravinsky and Béla Bartók elevating metrical manipulations to a structural prominence previously reserved for melody and harmony.
In summary, meter in music is a captivating interplay of rhythmic patterns and organization that has evolved over centuries, influencing the very fabric of musical compositions across different eras and styles.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, feel free to explore further or pose any specific questions related to this captivating subject.
