Musical Time Signature (Noun)
Meaning
A musical notation indicating the number of beats to a measure and kind of note that takes a beat.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer carefully selected a musical time signature that would create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the piece.
- The teacher explained to her students that a musical time signature of 4/4 meant there were four beats in a measure, and the quarter note got the pulse.
- The jazz band's musical time signature was complex and frequently changed, requiring the musicians to remain attentive to the conductor's cues.
- In classical music, the most common musical time signatures are 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4, although less common ones can add variety to a composition.
- A musical time signature of 6/8 often suggests a waltz-like rhythm with two strong beats and a weaker one in each measure.