A time signature—also called a meter signature or measure signature—indicates how musical time is organized at the level of the measure, or bar. In a standard numeric signature, the top and bottom numbers work together: the top number tells how many note values are in a measure, and the bottom number identifies the note value being counted.
For example, 4/4 means four quarter-note values per measure. It does not, by itself, specify the exact tempo: the music may be performed slowly or quickly.
All flashcards
What is a time signature?
A notational sign that indicates how note values are organized in a measure and helps identify the meter.
What does the top number tell you?
It tells how many note values, identified by the bottom number, make up the measure.
What does the bottom number 4 mean?
It identifies the quarter note, or crotchet, as the note value being counted.
Where does a time signature normally appear?
At the beginning of a staff, immediately after the key signature, or after the clef when there is no key signature.
What are common time and cut time?
Common time is the symbol C for 4/4. Cut time is a crossed-C symbol for 2/2, also known as alla breve.
Quiz questions
In the usual compound-meter reading of 6/8, how are the main beats grouped?Answer: Two dotted-quarter-note beats, each containing three eighth notes.
What does the additive signature 3+2+3/8 show?Answer: Eight eighth-note units grouped as three, two, then three.
What makes a time-signature denominator irrational in this notation system?Answer: It is not a power of two.
In mensural notation, what relationship does tempus describe?Answer: The relationship between the breve and the semibreve.
What is an irregular bar in a piece that otherwise keeps a steady meter?Answer: A measure that temporarily has a different duration or time signature.
Based on the Wikipedia article Time signature, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.