CHAPTER 5Beat, Meter and Rhythm:

Compound MeterIn this chapter, we will focus on the groupings and divisions of

the beat in compound meters. We will learn typical rhythmic patterns that are found in compound meters by notation, and

performance.

Conducting patterns remain the same for compound meters as they are for simple meters

Only in a very slow tempo would you conduct with the upper number in the meter signature

You would subdivide the pattern.

Conducting Patterns

Common Conducting patterns

http://www.virginiasymphony.org/Education/program_guides/08_09/conductingpatterns.gif

How to subdivide beats in Compound Meter

JS Bach Gigue from Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ckPKQMj6mU

We will listen to two contrasting songs: Greensleeves and Nachtwanderer.

Let’s find the primary beat in each while tapping the beat divisions.

What Is the meter?

Both songs are in Compound meter.

Compound Meters Defined

In compound meters: The upper number of the meter signature is

6, 9, or 12 representing duple, triple or quadruple meter.

Divide the top number by 3 to get the number of beats per measure (2, 3 or 4)

The lower number is usually 4, 8 or 16. This number shows the Division of the beat. Add together 3 of these note values to get the beat unit, which will ALWAYS be a dotted note.

Key Concept

Compound Duple Compound Triple Compound Quadruple.

The beat unit in compound meters is ALWAYS a dotted note.

Most Common Compound Meters

Down in the Valley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GucC_Zbyw1o

Beatles Norwegian Wood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3cUejOltsA

Bach Fugue in E Flat Major St. Anne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4LjAWiy_dg