Fractal Music


Music Theory Background

Common time

Most popular music is written in 4/4 time, otherwise known as common time and denoted by the letter "C". However, many other time signatures are frequently used.

Waltz time generally consists of either three quarter notes per measure (3/4), or six eight notes per measure (6/8). Dave Brubeck's famous jazz composition Take Five was written in 5/4 time.

Time signatures can also change during the course of a single composition. The end of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is notable for its frequent changes in meter.

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