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A Rite Of Spring Question Regarding Time Signature Choice


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Posted

Hi,

 

It's still very early in my musical education so I apologize if the question is rather elementary.

 

I've been attempting to study and follow along with the conductor's score for Rite of Spring, first part.

 

Apologies, again, but my version doesn't have bar numbers. The part I'm asking about is 13 bars into the section entitled: "Procession of the oldest and wisest one". (Just under 14 mins into the piece)

 

Where the tension explodes and everything goes FF, the time signature changes to 6/4.

 

When I listen to it and count along, it seems to me the rhythm works fine, if not better, in 4/4. So why the change?

 

I have a hunch Stravinsky knew a tad more than me, so I'm sure there's a simple reason.

 

Anyone able to point out the obvious for me, please?

Posted

Thanks very much for taking the time to explain that. It does make more sense now, I'd not properly accounted for the effect on the percussion in 4/4. It certainly is more manageable as you said!

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