chapter 2: the values and characteristics of rest

restrest

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MULTIPLE MEASURErest length = product of number of measures x 4 beats per measure.

ONE BAR(semibreve)rest length = 4 beats

HALF(minim)

rest length = 2 beats

QUARTER(crochet)

rest length = 1 beat

EIGHTH(quaver)

rest length = 1/2 beat

number

C

Rest refers a designated period of silence within a musical score.

Musically, rest is often used to showcase individual instruments by halting the sound of others.

It is also used to create drama and anticipation by providing a break for the listener.

Short rests are often written into musical scores in order to provide the musician with space in which to take a breath. This prevents the

flow of sound from being disrupted by unscheduled breathing.

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Rest is both horizontal and vertical when represented notationally. Rest has the unique characteristic of being a maximum horizontal

length and vertical depth regardless of the rest length.

b C

Whole measure rests are represented by a single measure

rest and a number indicating the rest length.

The integer “n” could be any number greater than 1.

n

These rests designate specific quantities of time. Once that time is exceeded,

the next type of rest is used.

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When abstracted, rest determines the space between lines, curves and points. Each rest has a value that correlates to its notation. This value can be

translated into units from any scale.

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7

mf

A 7 measure rest has a number value of 28 in

common time. 2 1 1/2 1/2

If each measure = 1 inch7 measures = 7 inches, designating thata 7 inch area must remain untouched in

in the drawing at the beginning of the piece.

Once areas of space are completely enclosed by lines within the drawing, the space is designated as “rest space”

and filled in blue.

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Cb

b#

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Andante ( = 88)

andante (italian for “walking pace”)is a middle tempo between 76-108 beats per minute.

Cb

b#

mf

Allegro( = 125)

allegro (italian for “cheerful”)is a fast tempo

between 120-168 beats per minute.

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Lento ( = 50)

lento (italian for “very slow”)is a slow tempo between 40-60

beats per minute.

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this song played in a middle tempo

creates a moderate amount of space.

this song played in a slow tempo creates a

large amount of space.

this song played in a fast tempo

creates a very small amount of space.

Rests are intentionally void spaces. Rests are designed to create internal space within the structure of the musical score.

Rests are independent of pitch and key, but complementary to notes. Both rests and notes require a specific speed (tempo) to be assigned before they have

any real spatial value. The value of each rest can be used to determine length and width of a specific space.

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musical characteristics: restmusical characteristics: rest

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