Illustration of hypermeter
hypermeter
- Definition:
Meter at levels above the notated measures. That is, the
sense that measures or groups of measures organize into
hypermeasures,
analogous to the way beats organize into measures. The concept
has aroused much discussion; almost every source listed in
the bibliography
includes at least some discussion of the issue.
William Rothstein defines hypermeter as the combination of measures
according to a metrical scheme, including both the recurrence of
equal-sized measure groups and a definite pattern of alternation between
strong and weak measures (Phrase
Rhythm in Tonal Music, p.12).
