Changes

The denominator of the time signature indicates which note value represents the basic beat, or ''tactus'', what a conductor typically would beat. In this position, one most often finds the numbers 2, 4, 8, or 16. These numbers represent, respectively, the half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes. On occasion it contains a 1 (representing a whole note) or 32 (thirty-second note), and very rarely 64 (sixty-fourth note). While numbers falling outside of this two-square pattern (i.e. 3 or 5 or 17) can theoretically make up the denominator, musicians are not trained to understand this notation, as it goes against the grain of Western rhythmic principles, and thus it almost is never written this way by composers.

The denominator of the time signature indicates which note value represents the basic beat, or ''tactus'', what a conductor typically would beat. In this position, one most often finds the numbers 2, 4, 8, or 16. These numbers represent, respectively, the half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes. On occasion it contains a 1 (representing a whole note) or 32 (thirty-second note), and very rarely 64 (sixty-fourth note). While numbers falling outside of this two-square pattern (i.e. 3 or 5 or 17) can theoretically make up the denominator, musicians are not trained to understand this notation, as it goes against the grain of Western rhythmic principles, and thus it almost is never written this way by composers.

The numerator of the time signature indicates how many of a given ''tactus'' make up a measure. Thus, "common-time," or <math>\frac{4}{4}</math> means four quarter notes make up one measure. This number is subject to much more variety than the denominator, but with numbers between 2 and 8 being most common. Increasingly since the late 19th-century, composers have made frequent use of the so-called "odd meters" such as <math>\frac{5}{4}</math> or <math>\frac{7}{8}</math>.

The numerator of the time signature indicates how many of a given ''tactus'' make up a measure. Thus, "common-time," or <math>\frac{4}{4}</math> means four quarter notes make up one measure. This number is subject to much more variety than the denominator, but with numbers between 2 and 8 being most common. Increasingly since the late 19th century, composers have made frequent use of the so-called "odd meters" such as <math>\frac{5}{4}</math> or <math>\frac{7}{8}</math>.

Time signatures do more than represent the basic facts of the meter, they also give clues to the musician as to style and character. Since composers have a variety of choices within this system, in that a triple meter could be written in <math>\frac{3}{4}</math>, <math>\frac{3}{8}</math>, or <math>\frac{3}{2}</math>, the composer makes a conscious choice, based on whether the piece has a broad or lively character. For example, <math>\frac{2}{2}</math> time, often referred to as "cut-time," is the meter of choice for marches, so a musical work written in this movement might suggest a march-like interpretation even if the word "march" were not in the title. Some intelligent deduction is required, however, because it is also the meter of ''pavanes'', a slow-moving dance of which [[Richard Wagner|Wagner's]] wedding march (written in <math>\frac{4}{4}</math> !) is a well-known example.

Time signatures do more than represent the basic facts of the meter, they also give clues to the musician as to style and character. Since composers have a variety of choices within this system, in that a triple meter could be written in <math>\frac{3}{4}</math>, <math>\frac{3}{8}</math>, or <math>\frac{3}{2}</math>, the composer makes a conscious choice, based on whether the piece has a broad or lively character. For example, <math>\frac{2}{2}</math> time, often referred to as "cut-time," is the meter of choice for marches, so a musical work written in this movement might suggest a march-like interpretation even if the word "march" were not in the title. Some intelligent deduction is required, however, because it is also the meter of ''pavanes'', a slow-moving dance of which [[Richard Wagner|Wagner's]] wedding march (written in <math>\frac{4}{4}</math> !) is a well-known example.