So, a time signature wherein (a) the pulse subdivides into two portions, and (b) two
pulses are grouped together is called

Simple Duple

. Three pulses grouped together,

Simple Triple

and so forth. A time signature wherein (a) the pulse subdivides into

three portions, and (b) two pulses are grouped together is called

Compound Duple

,

three pulses,

Compound Triple

, and so forth.

Figure 1.17

Time Signatures and Labels

Simple Meter

Let us address simple meter first. Analyze this by answering two questions
concerning the stated time signature:

1.

For the top number: “

How many…?

” In other words, how many

prevailing background pulse values (or their relative equivalent
values and/or rests) are grouped together?

2.

For the bottom number: “

…of what kind?

” In other words, what

durational value has been assigned to represent the prevailing
background pulse?

So the time signature

2

4

has two quarter-notes grouped together, therefore, we label

this as Simple Duple.

Figure 1.18

Typical Simple Meters

In Renaissance music, specialized symbols were employed that were the forerunner
of time signatures. These symbols determined how relative durational values were
held in proportion to one another. We continue to employ two holdovers from this
system.

Chapter 1 The Elements of Rhythm: Sound, Symbol, and Time

1.2 Pulse, Tempo, and Meter

23