BAIN MUSC 115
Music Theory I

Meter Type Examples

Recordings are from the Naxos Music Library ~ Help

The following 6 basic meter types are introduced in Tonal Harmony (pp. 28-31):

1. simple duple, 2. simple triple, 3. simple quadruple

4. compound duple, 5. compound triple, and 6. compound quadruple

You may use the following procedure to identify the meter type of a passage:

1. Identify the beat by ear. Tap your foot with the beat.
2. Use the conducting patterns to identify the beat grouping pattern as: duple, triple, or quadruple. Conduct as you continue to tap your foot.
3. Identify the beat division as simple (in 2s) or compound (in 3s).

Listen to the beginning of the following examples long enough to verify the meter type:

1. Simple Duple

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA, The Stars and Stripes Forever, 03:27

SCOTT JOPLIN, Maple Leaf Rag, 2:56

BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92, II. Allegretto, 6:39

2. Simple Triple

JOHN STAFFORD SMITH, The Star-Spangled Banner, 2:57

BACH, Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049, I. Allegro, 7:26

CHOPIN, Waltz No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 18, "Valse brillante, " 5:31

3. Simple Quadruple

BACH, Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 80, Chorale: Das Wort sie sollen lassen stahn, 1:21

TRADITIONAL, Irish Tune from County Derry (Danny Boy), 4:04

SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 5 in D minor (intro), IV. Allegro non troppo, 10:45

4. Compound Duple

TRADITIONAL Greensleeves, 2:08

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA, The Washington Post March, 2:45

PERCY GRAINGER, Lincolnshire Posy, No. 1. Lisbon [Dublin Bay], 1:27

5. Compound Triple

BACH, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (arr. for trumpet and organ), 3:15

SHOSTAKOVICH, Festive Overture (intro), Festive Overture, 5:58

6. Compound Quadruple

JOHN WILLIAMS, Superman the Movie: March, 4:24

BACH, St. Matthew Passion, I. Opening Chorus with Chorale , 8:01

MOZART, Requiem in D minor, K. 626, Lacrimosa, 3:20

You are now ready to take the Meter Type Identification Self-Test.