Unit 3. Duration
1. Duration: definition
2. Elements of musical notation which determine the duration
2.1. Note values and rests
2.2. Time signature
2.3. Note lenght modifiers
2.4. Tempo
3. Learn more: virtual metronome
1. Duration: definition
Duration is the quality of sound that allows us to distinguish between long and short sounds. It depends on the wave persistence.
We represent duration in scores by means of note values and rests. The organization of the different durations of sounds and rests in time sets the rhythm.
2. Elements of musical notation which determine the duration
2.1. Note values and rests
Note values: are symbols that represent the different durations of sounds.
Rests: are symbols that represent the duration of silence. They match with the name and length of note values.
2.2. Time signature
The time signature is represented by a fraction.
• The top number indicates the number of beats in which the measure is divided.
• The bottom number indicates the note value (which equals 1 beat) in relation to the whole note.
According to the number of beats they have, time signature can be:
• Duple: two beats (strong-weak).
• Triple: three beats (strong-weak- weak).
• Quadruple: four beats (strong-weak-strong-weak).
2/4 is a duple time:
• Its beat note value is a quarter note.
• Its measure note value is a half note.
3/4 is a triple time:
• Its beat note value is a quarter note.
• Its measure note value is a dotted half note.
4/4 is a quadruple time:
• Its beat note value is a quarter note.
• Its measure note value is a whole note.
2.3. Note length modifiers
The note length modifiers are:
• Dot: it adds note values and rests half their lengths.
• Tie: it adds up the duration of two or more notes which the same.
• Fermata: it extends the duration interrupting the time signature for a moment.
2.4. Tempo
The tempo is the speed of the performance of a piece. It is indicated by Italian markings: Largo (very slow), Adagio (slow), Andante (calm), Allegro (fast), Presto (very fast).
Largo:
Concerto for 2 violins in D minor, BWV 1043: 2nd movement - J. S. Bach
Adagio:
Adagio - Albinoni
Andante:
Piano Concerto No.21, 2nd movement - W. A. Mozart
Allegro:
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, 1st movement - W. A. Mozart
Presto:
Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "Summer" - Vivaldi
However, the initial indication of the tempo may vary throughout the work:
• Accelerando (accel.): speeding up.
• Ritardando (rit.) or rallentando (rall.): slowing down.
• Rubato: flexible and free tempo.
• A tempo or primo tempo: back to the original speed.
3. Learn more: virtual metronome
The metronome is used to accurately measure the different tempos, indicating the number of beats per minute.