Composition exemplar - percussion quartet (score)

Untitled score

Composition exemplar - percussion quartet (audio)

multiple different rhythms playing at the same time

a polyrhythm in which two or more of the rhythms 'conflict' and feel like they have a different pulse

when three notes are played over the duration of two or vice versa, creating the feeling of tempo change

where a rhythm emphasises notes in between the main beats

where the notes in a melody or rhythm are all shortened by the same proportion (e.g. in half)

Listen to this percussion quartet

British English CC

Polyrhythm

Cross rhythms

Hemiola

In the introduction and coda, the composer also uses a hemiola.

Syncopation

Diminution

Anacrusis

Task A audio

Using rhythmic devices

Music

Interaction between parts

Using melodic and other devices

Considering timbre, articulation and dynamics

Creating space for a melody

Pupils analyse exemplar compositions to explore advanced compositional techniques including rhythm, texture, timbre and interaction between parts. They develop understanding of how composers create interest, contrast and clarity within ensemble writing.

Composition exemplars: advanced techniques

Put these note values in order from shortest to longest.

In a time signature of 6/8, how many beats are there in a bar?

Which of these textures has 'many' independent lines of music?

When a composition uses musical devices that are typical or characteristic of a particular musical style, it is ...

Using rhythmic devices

Lesson outcome