Figure 1.3

Durational Value Chain

Tremolo

At times notes may have a diagonal slash (or slashes) through the stem, or below a
note value that has no stem. These slashes are interpreted one of two ways:

1. These indicate a

tremolo

, the performer rapidly repeating the note, or;

2. As a notational convenience, slashes represent flags, denoting

embedded smaller durational values:

Figure 1.4

Smaller Value “Slashes” (Tremolo)

These can be interpreted as “eighth-notes in the space of a half-note” (4), or
sixteenth-notes in the space of a quarter,” (4) and so on. This is merely a notational
convenience employed as needed.

Dotted Values

Durational values may have small periods (“dots”) appended to them. Originally,
this evolved as a notational “convenience,” a proportional division indication, or as
a segment boundary.

Dotted values

2

have three different interpretations:

2. Durational Values may be non-

dotted or dotted. Dotted Values
have three interpretations: (1)
The dot represents the
addition of half the original
value; (2) The dotted value may
divide into two lower dotted
values; (3) Or the dotted value
may divide into three non-
dotted values. This potential
division into three is critical
for comprehending Compound
Meter.

Chapter 1 The Elements of Rhythm: Sound, Symbol, and Time

1.1 Durational Values: Symbols Representing Time in Music

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