Exercise 12

In the following examples, identify the meter and the pulse note. Then write the number of beats for each note
value above the note, and write the counts below. Count and clap. (Note: count rests like their corresponding
note values.)

1. “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” (“Drinking Song”) from La Traviata(G. Verdi)
   Meter __ Pulse note __

of beats: 1 3

Count: 3 1 (2 3 1)

2. Allegro (W.A. Mozart)
   Meter __

of beats:^1 ⁄ 4 1 ⁄ 4 1 ⁄ 4 1 ⁄ 4 1 1 1

Count: 3 e + a 1 2 3

125

RHYTHM: SIMPLE METER EXPANDED

Vocabulary note

The treble clef sign with an “8” directly below is sometimes used for songs written for tenor voices. All notes are to be

sung an octave lower than written.

APPOGGIATURA (GRACE NOTE)

The small sixteenth notes in the seventh and eighth measures are called appoggiaturas, also commonly known as grace notes.

These are embellishments and do not affect the counting.

Vocabulary note

CHANGING METER, POLYMETER, COMPLEX METER

When the time signature in a piece changes, the meter is called CHANGING METER, POLYMETER, or COMPLEX METER.

In this piece, the time signature changes from 4/8 to 3/8. When performing this, be sure to keep the eighth note pulse constant.