Chapter 2: Rhythm and Meter: Musical Time

Question 1

Rhythm

Answer 1

The controlled movement of music in time. (page 10)

Question 2

Beat

Answer 2

Regular pulsation; a basic unit of length in musical time. (page 10)

Question 3

Accent

Answer 3

The emphasis on a beat resulting in its being louder or longer than another in a measure. (page 10)

Question 4

Meter

Answer 4

Organization of rhythm in time; the grouping of beats into larger, regular patterns, notated as measures. (page 10)

Question 5

Measure, or bar

Answer 5

Metric grouping of beats, notated on the musical staff with bar lines. (page 10)

Question 6

Downbeat

Answer 6

First beat of the measure, the strongest in any meter. (page 11)

Question 7

Duple Meter

Answer 7

Basic metrical pattern of two beats to a measure. (page 11)

Question 8

Triple Meter

Answer 8

Basic metrical pattern of three beats to a measure. (page 11)

Question 9

Quadruple Meter

Answer 9

Basic metrical pattern of four beats to a measure. Also common time. (page 11)

Question 10

Simple Meter

Answer 10

Meter in which the beat is divided into two, as in duple, triple, and quadruple meters. (page 11)

Question 11

Sextuple Meter

Answer 11

Compound metrical pattern of six beats to a measure. (page 11)

Question 12

Upbeat

Answer 12

Last beat of a measure, a weak beat that anticipates the downbeat. (page 11)

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. (page 11)

Question 14

Offbeat

Answer 14

A weak beat or weak portion of a beat. (page 11)

Question 15

Polyrhythm

Answer 15

The simultaneous use of several rhythmic patters or meters, common in twentieth-century music and certain African musics. (page 12)

Question 16

Nonmetric

Answer 16

Music lacking a strong sense of beat or meter, common in certain non-Western cultures. (page 12)