Beats have groups {measure, music}. Measures have same number of beats. Measure type determines rhythm. First beat usually has stress. Recurrent and non-recurrent rhythm patterns over several measures can make stresses, which are the same as, complementary to, or opposite from meter.
Measures can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 9 beats and have same stressed and unstressed beats {meter, music} {time signature}: 2/4 time, 2/2 time, 3/4 time, 3/8 time, or 4/4 time.
Measures can have two quarter notes {duple time} {2/4 time}.
Measures can have two half notes {alla breve}.
Measures can have three quarter notes {3/4 time} or three eighth notes {3/8 time} {triple time}.
Measures can have four quarter notes {quadruple time} {common time} {4/4 time}.
Measures can have two or more duple or triple meters {compound measure} {compound time}. In compound time, first-duple or first-triple first beat has stress, and second-duple or second-triple first beat has slightly less stress. Compound-meter measures can have six quarter notes {6/4 time}, six eighth notes {6/8 time}, nine eighth notes {9/8 time}, or twelve eighth notes {12/8 time}.
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Date Modified: 2022.0225