Rhythm

Question 1

Simple meter

Answer 1

Time signatures divided in 2 and 4

Question 2

compound meter

Answer 2

time signatures divided in groupings of 3, for example, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8

Question 3

asymmetrical meter

Answer 3

5/8, 7/8, and other non-symmetrical groupings of notes (2 plus 3 for example)

Question 4

hypermeter

Answer 4

a term credited to Edward T. Cone.
A higher level of rhythmic theory that associates one pulse to one measure of music, and that a larger rhythmic structure can be used to define musical phrases.
However, not all hyper metric groupings line up with cadential phrases.

Question 5

harmonic rhythm

Answer 5

the rate at which chords progress over time in a piece of music.
Slower harmonic rhythm - one chord per measure
faster harmonic rhythm - more than 1 chord per measure

Question 6

hemiola

Answer 6

Typical example: 6/8 and 3/4. An implied meter over another

Question 7

syncopation

Answer 7

A typical displacement of the regular metrical accent caused by stressing the weak beat

Question 8

Anacrusis

Answer 8

pickup note. Ex: eighth note rhythmic anticipation of a measure, indicating the note is part of a new phrase/grouping but occurs just before the downbeat

Question 9

Agogic accent

Answer 9

Natural stressing of strong beats at the beginning of a measure, or sometimes the beginning and middle of a measure (like in 6/8 for example)

Question 10

Elision

Answer 10

The coinciding of the end of one phrase while another begins. This can typically occur when the last bar of one phrase becomes the first bar of a new phrase.

Question 11

Suspension

Answer 11

Accented non chord tones on a downbeat. A Suspension is approached by the same note and resolves down by step. (preparation, suspension, resolution)This Creates tension by prolonging a constant note while the underlying harmony changes, normally on a strong beat

Question 12

retardation

Answer 12

Much like a suspension, but resolves up by step. Common in Classical cadences. 7 resolving to 1 is common

Question 13

Passing Tone

Answer 13

Fills in a melodic third, occurring between beats (I, I6, IV with 3,2,1,7,6 melodic motion)

Question 14

Accented Passing tone

Answer 14

A non chord tone that moves by step to fills in melodic third. Occurs on a stronger metrical position than the notes they resolve to

Question 15

Chromatic passing tone

Answer 15

Fills the space between two diatonic pitches, usually spaced at a major second

Question 16

Accented Neighbor Tone

Answer 16

A non-chord tone above (upper neighbor) or below (lower neighbor) that occurs on a stronger metrical position than the chord tones they resolve to. Can be thought of similar to a suspension.

Question 17

Chromatic neighbor tone

Answer 17

A note one semitone higher or lower than a chord tone. Accented if on the beat, non-accented if off the beat. Used to almost decorate one particular chord tone and create a sense of tension

Question 18

Appogiatura

Answer 18

Enter by leap, but resolve by step to a chord tone (usually in direction opposite of their leap)