Chapter 2: The Values and Characteristics of Rest

chapter 2: the values and characteristics of rest

rest

rest value

MULTIPLE MEASURE rest 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

b

C

musical characteristics

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 ow of sound from being disrupted by unscheduled breathing.

n

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.

+

=

+ = +

=

These rests designate speciďŹ c quantities of time. Once that time is exceeded, the next type of rest is used.

notational characteristics

b

rest value

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.

rest value

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 rest length translated into units from any scale.

A 7 measure rest has a number value of 28 in common time.

2

1 1/2

7 b

C

# b

mf

2-dimensional abstraction

1/2

If each measure = 1 inch 7 measures = 7 inches, designating that a 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 spaceâ€? and ďŹ lled in blue.

Allegro( = 125)

allegro (italian for “cheerful”) is a fast tempo between 120-168 beats per minute.

b

C

rest value

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. this song played in a fast tempo creates a very small amount of space.

# b

mf

Andante ( = 88)

C

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

# b

mf

this song played in a middle tempo creates a moderate amount of space.

Lento ( = 50) b

C

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

# b

mf

this song played in a slow tempo creates a large amount of space.

spatial characteristics

b

rest value

2

musical characteristics: rest