Topic 4 - Rhythm and Metre

Question 1

Rhythm

Answer 1

The combination and pattern of sounds around the beat.

Question 2

Pulse

Answer 2

The steady beat.

Question 3

Metre

Answer 3

The pattern of the beats.

Can be regular, irregular or free.

Question 4

Duration

Answer 4

Length of notes.

Question 5

Time Signature

Answer 5

Shows how many beats, and what type of beat is in a bar.

Question 6

Triplets

Answer 6

3 notes played where 2 notes should be.

Question 7

Semibreve

Answer 7

4 beats

Question 8

Minims

Answer 8

2 beats

Question 9

Crotchets

Answer 9

1 beat

Question 10

Quavers

Answer 10

1/2 a beat

Question 11

Semiquaver

Answer 11

1/4 of a beat

Question 12

Compound time

Answer 12

Has 6, 9, 12 as number of beats in a bar. (Top number of time signature)

Question 13

Dotted Rhythm

Answer 13

Adds half the original value to a note.

Question 14

Polyrhythm

Answer 14

More than 2 rhythms played at the same time. It sounds like they fit together.

Question 15

Simple Time

Answer 15

Has 2, 3, 4 as number of beats in a bar. (Top number of time signature)

Question 16

Cross Rhythm

Answer 16

2 contrasting rhythms played at the same time, sound like they don’t fit together.

Question 17

Rubato

Answer 17

When the performer speeds up or slows down for extra expression.

Question 18

Hemiola

Answer 18

A rhythm which has a “three against two” feel.

Used in Baroque music.

Question 19

Tempo

Answer 19

The speed of the music.

Question 20

Drum Fills

Answer 20

Short drum solos to join up sections of music, or for the drummer to show off.

Question 21

Bi - Rhythm

Answer 21

Two different rhythms from the same time signature played at the same time.

Question 22

Augmentation

Answer 22

Make bigger.

Question 23

Diminution

Answer 23

Make smaller.

Question 24

Syncopation

Answer 24

Strong notes are on expected beats, sound “off beat”. Used a lot in jazz.