In this chapter, we will focus on the groupings and
divisions of the beat in compound meters. We will learn
typical rhythmic patterns that are found in compound
meters by notation, and performance.
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Conducting patterns remain the same for
compound meters as they are for simple
meters
Only in a very slow tempo would you conduct
with the upper number in the meter signature
You would subdivide the pattern.
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Common Conducting patterns
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JS Bach Gigue from Violin Partita No. 2 in D
minor
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We will listen to two contrasting songs:
Greensleeves and Nachtwanderer.
Let’s find the primary beat in each while
tapping the beat divisions.
What Is the meter?
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Both songs are in Compound meter.
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In compound meters:
The upper number of the meter signature is
6, 9, or 12 representing duple, triple or
quadruple meter.
Divide the top number by 3 to get the
number of beats per measure (2, 3 or 4)
The lower number is usually 4, 8 or 16. This
number shows the Division of the beat. Add
together 3 of these note values to get the
beat unit, which will ALWAYS be a dotted
note.
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Compound Duple
Compound Triple
Compound Quadruple.
The beat unit in compound meters is ALWAYS
a dotted note.
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Down in the Valley
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Beatles Norwegian Wood
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Bach Fugue in E Flat Major St. Anne