ABSTRACT
The next thing to notice is the row of symbols that is given above and below the notes. The top row is a series of accents on beats 1 and 3. “Accent” can broadly refer to the emphasis given to any particular note by making it a little louder or a little longer than the ones that come before and after it. Our sense of meter is generated in part by a subtle, yet regular pattern of accents, which is part of performing a particular meter, but usually is not notated in the fussy way given in Example 1.1; these accents are merely intended to demonstrate the principle that in 44 time, 1 and 3 are both emphasized beats. Although 1 and 3 are both accented, beat 1 alone is known as the downbeat and is the stronger of the two, which is shown by the arrows under the staff. Practice Example 1.1, working towards a steady beat (pulse), and trying to project the meter by accenting 1 and 3 appropriately.
