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Messiean and rythmn

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I was wondering how to write added values in one measure. For example: If the rythmn in 3/ 4 was 8th 8th quarter 8th 8th. Instead I want to write as 8th, 8h, qurater, 8th 16th, 8th. (in the same meter) how would do that? 

You could try

5/8 + 1/16 + 1/8 as your time signature.

 

It depends on how everything is beamed, but I"m inclined to say 2/4+5/16

The entire idea behind added values goes against the concept of time signatures, which is why Messiaen generally wrote in free bar lengths, according to the lengths of the phrases. Of course, as soon as you have a conductor that becomes impractical.

35 minutes ago, Gylfi said:

The entire idea behind added values goes against the concept of time signatures, which is why Messiaen generally wrote in free bar lengths, according to the lengths of the phrases. Of course, as soon as you have a conductor that becomes impractical.

 

You'll note that not all of his pieces really work out like this though. While you are correct, it assumes a level of standardization that doesn't exist within all of his music.

3 hours ago, Monarcheon said:

You'll note that not all of his pieces really work out like this though. While you are correct, it assumes a level of standardization that doesn't exist within all of his music.

 

That's because some of his music doesn't use added values and really is pulse-based. I don't think it's unfair to say that when Messiaen wrote in a way that deliberately undermines the pulse without syncopation, he generally did away with the time signature - because it doesn't provide any useful information and may even be misleading.

Edited by Gylfi

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