Klarinet Archive - Posting 000239.txt from 2001/10

From: Ed Wojtowicz <ewoj@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] time signatures
Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 11:55:11 -0400

I have a question regarding the use and origins of time signatures. Often
when teaching young students cut-time (2/2), I get a puzzled look and they
inquire "why don't they just write it in 2/4 and use quarter notes instead
of half notes?" I don't really have any good answers. I suspect that there
is a historic reason, but unless I fell asleep that day in music history, I
really am not aware of it. Any answers?

Ed

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