Klarinet Archive - Posting 000241.txt from 2001/10

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] time signatures
Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 12:02:02 -0400

Ed
One reason I've always understood is that when the music gets into 16th notes
and rests, the music written in 2/4 or other '4' time signature begins to look
very confusing and complicated on the printed page. Cut time makes it look
much simpler and is easier to see clearly. Hope this helps a bit.
Best wishes
Audrey

Ed Wojtowicz wrote:

> 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
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------