How to notate a mid-measure change of time signature?
I am transcribing a string quartet written in 1902, and there are a few points where the time signature changes mid-measure. Below is an example where the time signature changes from 4/4 to 6/8. In measure 134, the 4/4 continues for 3.5 beats (7/8), and after the double barline the "pickup" for the following 6/8 measure uses the last eighth-note / quaver (1/8).
I have the following questions:
1. Have I notated the two measures correctly in the attached MSCZ file? Measure 134: Nominal duration = 4/4, Actual duration = 7/8. Remainder of measure 134: Nominal duration = 6/8, Actual duration = 1/8 - and exclude from measure count. So the first complete 6/8 measure is then numbered 135?
2. Is the composer's notation of the rests in line with current usage? In the 4/4 part of measure 134, would it be better to split the rests to show a quarter-note / crotchet rest on beat 3 and an eighth-note / quaver rest on beat 4? And if changed, where to place the fermatas?
Thanks for any advice.
Attachment | Size |
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String_Quartet_Op.10_fragment.mscz | 22.13 KB |
Comments
I'd say you are right on the money on all counts. And I would indeed recommend fixing the notation of rests.
In reply to I'd say you are right on the… by Marc Sabatella
Marc, many thanks for the confirmation.
Maybe the Composer thought:
"The last eighth of 4/4, is also the pickup measure of 6/8."
Based on this: I can say that the Composer has a perfectionist mind.
In reply to Maybe The composer thought:… by Ziya Mete Demircan
Yes indeed, the composer was a perfectionist. As evidence, see his strict "con sordini" instruction to the strings in this 1914 work for soprano, harp and string quartet: "strings must put on their mutes very quietly during this bar"!