Rhythm

Time signatures and rhythm basics

Meter in music.

Duple meter:

2/4 March: John Philip Sousa’s Star’s and Stripes Forever.

Triple meter:

Minuet in G (Bach)

3/4 The waltz.

Mazurka

More complex meter:

Jazz: Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond’s Take Five, where the 5-beat meter is divided into 3+2.

Syncopation:

“In ragtime, the complex multiple rhythmic layers of West African drumming are transferred to the piano, with a march-like, on-the-beat left hand of the pianist supporting an off-the-beat, syncopated right hand layered atop.” Robert Greenberg, Understanding the Fundamentals of Music Course Guideback, Great Courses.

Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag

Image of the music

West African drumming:

A musical system built around rhythm: multiple rhythms played at the same time.

Jamani drummers

Polyrhythms

African Polyrhythms.

Asymmetric rhythm:

Bulgarian folk music

Animals:

Cockatoo dances to the beat.

Best video out there of gorilla drumming