Cross rhythm

polyrhythm, also called Cross-rhythm, the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in a musical composition. Rhythmic conflicts, or cross-rhythms, may occur within a single metre (e.g., two eighth notes against triplet eighths) or may be reinforced by simultaneous combinations of conflicting metres.

1. What is cross-rhythm?
2. What is an example of a cross-rhythm?
3. What is cross-rhythm in jazz?
4. What is the difference between cross-rhythm and hemiola?

What is cross-rhythm?

Cross rhythm is the effect produced when two conflicting rhythms are heard together. Polyrhythm is when two or more rhythms with different pulses are heard together, eg where one is playing in triple time and another is playing in quadruple time - three against four. Triplets are three notes played in the time of two.

What is an example of a cross-rhythm?

For the uninitiated, playing a cross-rhythm is the pianistic equivalent of rubbing your stomach with one hand whilst patting your head with the other (or vice versa).

What is cross-rhythm in jazz?

The term cross rhythm was introduced in 1934 by the musicologist Arthur Morris Jones (1889–1980). It refers to when the rhythmic conflict found in polyrhythms is the basis of an entire musical piece.

What is the difference between cross-rhythm and hemiola?

The hemiola is simply three beats with equal value spaced across two beats – in other words, three notes are superimposed onto two. This polyrhythm is found in African music, where it often repeats across the whole song and is referred to as a cross rhythm, or a systematic rhythm that is actually the base of a piece.