ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses rhythmic possibilities that are most often found in post-tonal and world music. Asymmetrical meters are those that don’t divide into equal portions on at least one level. The new meter is somewhat nebulous and lacks clear analogies with previously encountered meters. Just keep the beat steady and try to emphasize downbeats, as in any other meter. The prevailing meter will occasionally shift from one number of beats in a measure to another. The beat will always be represented by the quarter-note, which makes these metric shifts easier to perform. Dictations may include ties, but will not include rests. Take note of the beaming, which groups eighth-notes into easily recognized beats. In practice, composers can choose to write music that is consistently set in 2+3 or in 3+2, or that goes back and forth between the two.
