chapter 3: the values and characteristics of notes
notes
note value
HALF NOTE 2 BEATS 2 HALF NOTES MAKE UP ONE MEASURE
b
QUARTER NOTE 1 BEAT 4 QUARTER NOTES MAKE UP ONE MEASURE
EIGHTH NOTE 1/2 BEAT
8 EIGHTH NOTES MAKE UP ONE MEASURE
C
Note refers to the length of a pitch within a musical score. Notes are used to designate time within the score and form the connection between the pitch and the time signature.
musical characteristics
Notes cannot exist without a speciďŹ ed pitch, key, time signature and tempo. The tempo determines the relative length of each note. This length can be outlined with the aid of a metronome, conductor or bass line. Note lengths can be manipulated through the use of musical notations such as ties, dots and fermatas.
Notes are generally of equal dimension on the page and move horizontally and vertically as the pitches change and the song progresses.
note value
Notes have similar notational qualities to pitches.
b
C
notational characteristics
The space between notes on the sta changes as dierent note lengths occur.
note value
When abstracted, notes are found in thickness of the “pitch� lines. Line thickness correlates to the value of the note within the musical notation. This value can be translated into units from any scale.
2-dimensional abstraction
b
C
Spaces where “pitch” lines overlap are held together by notes.
C
# b
mf
2-dimensional abstraction
b
note value
Notes are also represented at the connections between “pitch” lines.
note value
Spatially, notes are the connections that hold the structure together. Notes indicate the creation of unspeciďŹ ed space at the juncture where pitches come together. Pitches can create both harmony and dissonance. Notes have the ability to form harmonic or dissonant spaces at the apex of pitch connections.
spatial characteristics
This translation from notation to space is more abstract. The spaces created are situational and relate to programmatic concerns. Using the program of temporary or permanent performance space, the harmonic atmosphere created by the note would occur in areas where the requirements for performance are met. This type of performance space demands exibility, pedestrian and vehicle access, some degree of shelter, storage, and strong acoustics.
note value
3
musical characteristics: notes