Chapter 2: Rhythm and Meter - Musical Time

Question 1

Rhythm

Answer 1

The controlled movement of music in time

Question 2

Beat

Answer 2

Regular pulsation, a basic unit of length in musical time

Question 3

Accented

Answer 3

The emphasis on a beat resulting in it being louder or longer than another in a measure; usually received by first beat in a measure

Question 4

Meter

Answer 4

Organization of rhythm in time; the grouping of beats into larger, regular patterns, notated as measures

Question 5

Measure/bar

Answer 5

Metric grouping of beats, notated on the musical staff and separated by vertical bar lines

Question 6

Measure (bar) lines

Answer 6

Vertical lines on a staff that separate measures; each measure gets a specific number of beats

Question 7

What moves music forward in time?

Answer 7

Rhythm

Question 8

Downbeat

Answer 8

First beat of the measure, the strongest of any meter

Question 9

Simple meter

Answer 9

Meter in which the beat is divided into two

Question 10

Compound meter

Answer 10

Meter in which each main beat is divided into three

Question 11

Which meters are the most common?

Answer 11

Simple meters

Question 12

Offbeat

Answer 12

A weak beat or a weak portion of a beat

Question 13

Syncopation

Answer 13

Deliberate upsetting of the meter or pulse through a temporary shifting of the accent to a weak beat or an offbeat

Question 14

Polyrhythm

Answer 14

The simultaneous use of several rhythmic patterns or meters

Question 15

Where is polyrhythm commonly heard?

Answer 15

Twentieth-century music and certain African music

Question 16

Rhythmic complexities

Answer 16

Syncopation
Offbeat
Polyrhythm

Question 17

Nonmetric

Answer 17

Music lacking a strong sense of beat or meter

Question 18

Duple meter

Answer 18

Basic metrical pattern of two beats to a measure; alternates strong downbeat with a weak beat (ONE two)

Question 19

Triple meter

Answer 19

Basic metrical pattern of three beats to a measure (ONE two three)

Question 20

Quadruple meter

Answer 20

Basic metrical pattern of four beats to a measure, aka common time; primary accent on the first beat and a secondary accent on the third

Question 21

Sextuple meter (compound duple)

Answer 21

Compound metrical pattern of six beats to a measure

Question 22

Upbeat

Answer 22

Last beat of a measure, a weak beat that anticipates the downbeat