Double Bass Tempo changes

[Andy Mopley]

Hi all

to keep it simple, what is the actual difference when a piece goes from say 4/4 to 2/4, for a few bars, before reverting to 4/4 again? I read that for some it is about the feel of the music, others about weak/strong beats. Another view is that 2/4 time is counted as "ONE-and-TWO-and". The beat is bouncy in motion and "rocks" back and forth from one count to the next. 4/4 time is counted as "ONE-two-three-four".

Is it a case that key is to watch the conductor, where possible, and play accordingly?

Thanks for reading!

 

[Dogbertday]

4/4 and 2/4 would keep the same beat but literally the measures would be half as long. I'm assuming you mean 2/2 or cut time.

The difference in this case is usually the feel of the music. Sometimes it's the harmonic rhythm that changes. Usually the tempo stays the same (L'istesso tempo) for all intents and purposes.

 

[Dogbertday]

Also, it's always a a case to watch the conductor.

 

[Andy Mopley]

4/4 and 2/4 would keep the same beat but literally the measures would be half as long. I'm assuming you mean 2/2 or cut time.

No, thankfully I can tell the difference between 4 and half time feel...- it is more a case of asking (for the sake of understanding) the interpretation of the bars in 2/4, if different in any way from 4/4 other than the length of the bar!

Thank you!

 

[Dogbertday]

In that case not much is different you just count 1-2-1-2 instead of 1-2-3-4