Wednesday 10 July 2013

Rhythm

1. Definitions2. The importance of pulse

Rhythm in the musical trinity The order of music in the Christian life

3. How pulse affects communicating Truths Fast and slow tempi

4. Introductions should establish pulse clearly

Overview

Pulse: an emphasis or movementRhythm: the arrangement of pulses (notes

and rests) around a beatMeter: a consistent beat pattern (simple,

compound, triple, duple), which is defined by beats per bar

Subdivision: the practice of breaking down rhythms into smaller units

Tempo: the speed of the beat (measured in bpm)

Definitions

The pulse is a sign of life – man is living, music has lifeIn the same way, breath is a sign of life. Man

breathes, music also breathes.

As musicians, it is very important to develop our rhythm skills (activity)

Why?

Its importance lies in how man was created by God

The importance of pulse

Melody(spirit)

Rhythm(body)

Harmony(soul)

The Musical Trinity

Our bodies have internal rhythm, a pulse

A pulse is necessary and good, but only in its proper place

No pulse = deadOverly visible pulse = sickUnderlying pulse = healthy

Rhythm and the body

“… music needs to exhibit a flow, an overall feel for continuity, that moves progressively and irresistibly from beginning to end. It is not intended to hammer and drive a musical pulse into the mind…”

from Music & Ministry (p.93)

Dr. Johansson

First Second Last

spirit soul body

melody harmony rhythm

dominant secondary controlled

The order of music in the Christian life

from Music in the Balance, F. Garlock & K. Woetzel, (p.63)

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have

preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 Corinthians 9:27

Rhythm in music affects our body

Rhythm is good, but only if it is under control

Rhythm should be subject to the melody

We must master rhythm in the same way that we must master our bodies

Summary

‘pear’ quarter note

‘ap-ple’ two eighth notes

‘pine-ap-ple’ three eighth notes

‘wa-ter-me-lon’ four sixteenth notes

Four basic rhythms

Many aspects of rhythm work together to convey truth. These include:temporhythmic values (e.g. lots of eighth notes or

lots of half notes)time signature

Example: Amazing Grace

How pulse affects communicating Truths

Generally, slower tempi encourage reflection or meditation and faster tempi encourage joyfulness or zeal. Moderate tempi work best for most songs.

Examples: Glory to His Name

When playing for congregational singing, it is important to always choose a tempo which best reflects (or enhances) the thoughts of the song

How pulse affects communicating Truths

Pianists and musicians should already ‘feel’ the tempo and pulse before they start playingPianists have a very important role in this area

A hesitant or uncertain introduction can negatively affect the singers and congregation

1 Cor. 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? Through our ministry, we are ‘calling’ God’s people to

worship GodThis demands confidence in God’s enabling, not in self

ability

Introductions should establish pulse clearly

1. Practice your introduction2. Know your tempo beforehand

Sing it in your head

3. Work with your song-leader Talk about what speed they are most comfortable

singing

4. Keep it simple5. Keep the beat steady

6. Master Tip: Play the dominant (5th) note of the key in the LH before the first beat of the bar (in C major, this would be G)

Top Tips for a Confident Start

In order to identify the pulse/beat in a hymn, we must determine what the base grouping is

The base grouping is the smallest group of eighth notes that will fit into a beat according to the time signature (this is either 2 or 3 eighth notes)

Discerning the pulse in various time signatures

EG. the smallest group is 2 – hence, there are FOUR beats

EG. the smallest group that divides 9 is 3 – hence, there are THREE BEATS

Discerning the pulse in various time signatures

But what about 6 8?

6 8 is grouped into THREE, because 3 4 already groups them into TWO

Discerning the pulse in various time signatures

Finding the beat requires knowing how to group the eighth notes

The table below shows how many beats are in each time signature

Let’s try beating these out together

Discerning the pulse in various time signatures

2 beats 3 beats 4 beats

2 4 3 4 4 4

6 8 9 8 12 8

In groups, compose a short 8 bar rhythmic piece with at least 3 different rhythms, using various body percussion (clapping, tapping, clicking, stomping, etc.) Notate your composition on a blank piece of paper. Aim for variety and don’t forget to use rests.

In groups, pick three hymns and identify their following rhythmic characteristics; Time signature Appropriate tempo Meter (how many beats per bar)

Activities

In groups, identify what character or mood would best fit the following hymns, and what tempo you would choose. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Holy, Holy, Holy Great Is Thy Faithfulness Since Jesus Came Into My Heart Come Thou Fount How Great Thou Art To God Be the Glory

Whole groupWe’re going to sing a hymn/gospel song together at a slow

tempo, then a fast tempo

Activities