GRGR1: Discussion opener for section 1

[grip at netcom.com]

On Sat, 21 Sep 1996, Joe Varo wrote:

> 
> By the way, what is "triplets against 4'4"?
> 
> Joe

It's a musical term in which one line is playing 3 beats toa measure 
while a second line is playing 4. Example:

measures 1           2           3           4
voice 1  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / etc.
voice 2  /   /   /   /   /   /   /   /   /   / etc.

Voice 1 is beating four to a measure, Voice 2 three to a measure.

Modern composers have all sorts of juxtapositions like this. In 
Stravinski's Petrsouchka the flute's and clarinets are toodling away on a 
fast waltz while the oboes and bassoons are trudging away on a slow 
bear-like fox trot.

In Carter's Cello sonata, the right hand of the pianist is playing 5 
beats while the left hand plays four. Try it sometime! Really makes the 
brain do funny things. :)

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grip