L'hémiole



Example: L'hémiole rythme subtilement cette pièce baroque complexe.

Definition


"L'hémiole" in music refers to a rhythmic pattern where two groups of three beats are temporarily replaced by three groups of two beats, creating a subtle shift in the perception of the meter. It is often used to add complexity and variation in baroque compositions.

Translations


  • hemiola
  • la hemiola
  • de hemiolen
  • l'hemíola
  • die Hemiole

Etymology


The word "l'hémiole" comes from the Greek 'hemiolios', meaning 'one and a half'. This reflects its rhythmic characteristic of combining groupings of two and three beats, which together create a ratio of three halves. Did you know? This concept has been used since ancient times to enrich musical rhythm.

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"L'hémiole" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 99 commonly used words.
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