Learning Intentions:

• To understand that in simple time, quavers are grouped in pairs or fours

• To understand that in compound time, quavers are grouped in threes.

Listen to two excerpts from the last movement of Mozart's Serenade No.12 in C Minor, K.388.

The theme is in 2/4 time, indicating that there are two crotchet beats in a bar.

Listen to the theme in the YouTube clip 0.00-0.35.

The second excerpt is Variation 2 in which the theme  is altered so that it now fits in 6/8 time.

Listen to Variation 2 in the YouTube clip 1.10-1.43.

Mozart's theme is in simple time. Time (or metre) refers to the number of beats to a bar, and their value. In simple time, each beat is a simple, plain note (that is, not a dotted note) which is divisible in halves. The theme is in 2/4 time (simple duple time). There are two crotchet beats to each bar, and each beat may be divided into two quavers:

Listen to the theme again. As the music is played, softly tap or clap the beat - and at the same time, think or quietly say '1 and 2 and 1 and 2 and ...'

The music of Variation 2 is in compound time. In compound time, each beat is a dotted note, which is divisible into thirds. In this case, the time signature is 6/8 (compound duple time). There are two dotted crotchet beats to each bar, and each beat may be divided into three quavers:

Listen to Variation 2 again. Softly tap or clap the beat - and at the same time, think or quietly say '1 and a 2 and a 1 and a 2 and a...'

Listen to some of the pieces below, all of which are in compound time. As you're listening, count the beat and listen to how the beat divides into three. Music in compound time often has a swaying or lilting rhythm if the tempo is slow or moderate and often skipping or jigging if the tempo is fast.