Figure 7 Haydn, Symphony No. 104. Added metrical information (thin-line brackets) is combined with compatible pre-metrical brackets (bold lines) to show the phrase structure in a metrical context.

The association of phrase groupings with certain metrical levels also opens up the possibility of grading the lowest levels. Since one or two metrical levels normally predominate, as determined by tempo-the idea of the tactus-groupings below these levels are usually of lesser interest, in context. Conversely, at higher levels of phrase organisation, such as 32 bars, a quasi-metrical connection on the level above the phrase may have little significance other than to create a larger grouping; while we do make such groupings, we would seem to become progressively less aware of the length of the phrase as a single timelength associated with the phrase’s first note; such awareness or otherwise is also affected by tempo.