Note that Simple meters divide all values into two subdivisions in each level of the
Table. Compound meters divide the First Division level into three (see

Statement 1

above). Subsequent subdivisions divide into two.

Simple Triple Interpreted as Compound Meter

Some Simple Triple time signatures may be perceived as either simple or
compound, again depending upon tempo. In practice, this is a limited list: The time
signatures:

may be perceived as Simple Triple if the tempo is relatively slow. In other words,
you perceive the “lower number” of the time signature as the fundamental
background pulse value. As the tempo for any of these becomes relatively faster, we
cease to perceive the lower number as Pulse. Instead we perceive the lower number
as the First Division of a Compound meter.

The Time Signature Table will show this:

Figure 1.25

Simple Triple, Compound “Single”

In the next section, these fundamental elements of sound, symbol, and time will be
placed in full musical context by uniting them with common notational practices.

3

16

3

8

3

4

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

1.2 Pulse, Tempo, and Meter

27