The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #64469   Message #1054534
Posted By: Barry T
16-Nov-03 - 12:44 AM
Thread Name: Time Signatures: 2/4 or 4/4 time....
Subject: RE: 2/4 or 4/4 time....
You would probably be wise to avoid reference to the word march as representative of a particular time signature. As the name implies, the term's origin relates to tunes played for marching troops. The most common time signatures are 4/4, 2/4, 3/4 and 6/8. But you can add 9/8, 12/8, and 5/4 to the list.

Amazingly, the troops at this year's Edinburgh Military Tattoo marched to a medley of reels (2/2 in pipe music). Geez, now I'm confused! ;-)

Joking aside, I think Noreen is on the mark when she makes reference to the phrasing as the distinguishing characteristic.

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