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Metric Interplay: A Case Study In Polymeter, Polyrhythm, And Polytempo

Abstract

This thesis paper examines the use of polymeter as a compositional technique. I compare the terms polyrhythm, polymeter, and pdlytempo, and discuss their use in selected passages from the music of Steve Reich, Iannis Xenakis, and Frank Zappa. I also discuss polymetric and polyrhythmic interplay in my own work, using examples from my capstone MFA project, LAVA GLASS.