Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Meter: Simple quadruple

In simple quadruple meter, the first beat is the strongest and is given an accent; the third beat is slightly stressed
(–). The second and fourth beats are the weakest beats.
The time signature can also be written as which stands for “common time.”
For example: “Qing Hai Min Ge” (“Boys and Girls Working Together to Plant Rice”) Chinese folk song

Comparing a Melody in Different Meters

The pitches of a melodic line will sound differently when they are written in different meters. Each of the
melodies below consists of the same pitches; however, each is written in a different meter.

Exercise 8—Class Exercise

Clap the examples below, emphasizing the indicated strong beats. Discuss how meter may affect the tempo you
select. How does the change in meter affect the melody even though identical pitches are used for each melody?

Melody in simple duple meter

Melody in simple triple meter

Melody in simple quadruple meter

MODULE 2

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qqqq l qqqql qqqql l

Counts: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Accents: > – > – > –

Counts: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Accents: > – > – > – > –

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