Chapter 17: Changing Meters—simple to simple and compound to compound
About This Chapter
About This Chapter: In this chapter and the next, we’ll explore exercises in which the meter changes. This chapter will focus on changing from simple meter to simple meter and from compound meter to compound meter. The next chapter will explore what happens when we switch between simple and compound meter.
When we change from one simple meter to another or from one compound meter to another, the duration of the beat stays the same, but the number of beats changes. This means we need to change both the conducting pattern and the rhythmic syllables we’re using. In the example below, we’ll need to switch from conducting a duple pattern to a triple to a quadruple. We also need to switch from counting to 2 in the first measure to counting to 3 in the second measure and 4 in the last measure.
Section A—Changing from one simple meter to another
Demonstration
Video demonstration coming soon!
Demonstration A:
Practice
Practice A:
Practice by performing along with this audio file, which features a metronome click and the notated rhythm. You will hear one full measure of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
Next, try performing along with this audio file, which features the notated rhythm but no metronome click. You will hear one full measure of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
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Section B—Two-part rhythms that feature changes from one simple meter to another
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Section C—Changing from one compound meter to another
Demonstration
Video demonstration coming soon!
Demonstration C:
Practice
Practice C:
Practice by performing along with this audio file, which features a metronome click and the notated rhythm. You will hear one measure of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
Next, try performing along with this audio file, which features the notated rhythm but no metronome click. You will hear one measure of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
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Section D—Two-part rhythms that feature changes from one compound meter to another
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Rhythmic Cells
- For general suggestions on how to use these rhythmic cells, see Appendix: How to Use Rhythmic Cells.
- The first set of cells features measure of simple meter (2/4, 3/4, and 4/4). Combine measures from each of these three columns together to practice changing from one simple meter to another.
- The second set of cells features measures of compound meter (6/8, 9/8, and 12/8). Combine measures from each of these three columns together to practice changing from one compound meter to another.
Rhythm in Context
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s “Too Late for Love” features several shifts between simple quadruple meter (4/4) to simple triple meter (3/4). You can hear the piece in the YouTube video below. Underneath that, you can see the score for the first 16 measures of the vocal part. As you listen, try performing along in one or more of the following ways:
- Conduct along with the recording, making sure to read ahead and prepare for each time signature change
- Speak the rhythm of the vocal line on rhythmic syllables
- Speak the rhythm of the vocal line on rhythmic syllables while conducting
Citations
Poem:
- Langston Hughes (1901–1967), “Prayer,” public domain. From Caroling Dusk: An Anthology of Verse by Negro Poets, ed. Countee Cullen. Published 1927, by Harper & Brothers, New York, NY.
Psalm:
- Scripture taken from the KJV, 1987, public domain.
Rhythm in Context:
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Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875–1912), “Too Late for Love,” from Six Sorrow Songs, op. 57 (1904)
