Artificial division is used as a process for making rigid time and beat division much
more fluid and irregular. This technique is especially prevalent in music from the
19th Century onwards.
Syncopation
Syncopation is another common rhythmic device. The simplest definition of
syncopation is:
1. An arrangement of durational values that places accents or “stress”
where it is unexpected.
2. This translates to “accents on the off-beats” (or weak beats).”
3. Originating as a rhythmic device in early music, it has become an
especially prevalent attribute of music after 1900.
4. Syncopation does occur in certain contexts throughout the evolution
of Western music.
Here are some typical rhythmic patterns demonstrating this device:
Figure 1.54
Examples of Syncopation Patterns
Asymmetrical Meter
Asymmetrical meter has become a very common device in the composer’s arsenal.
Often called “Odd-meters” (a slang term) because the top number of such time
signatures is an “odd number,” these are time signatures that mix simple and
compound beats within a measure or pulse grouping. Common examples are:
Triple meters and their multiples are not included in this category generally. Often
these meters are treated in the same manner that we treat compound meters, that
is, the written time signature represents First Division. So, for example,
5
8
might be
grouped as two eighth notes plus three eighth notes or the reverse.
5
16
5
8
5
4
7
16
7
8
7
4
11
16
11
8
11
4
13
16
13
8
13
4
Chapter 1 The Elements of Rhythm: Sound, Symbol, and Time
1.4 Additional Information
47