Rhythm in composition · Developing

Compose momentum, hesitation, and stillness

Use pulse, ostinato, density, pickups, and phrase rhythm to direct movement.

• Ostinato: a repeated musical pattern that can sustain motion
• Pickup/anacrusis: material before the downbeat that leads into it
• Harmonic rhythm: the rate at which chords change

Example: Keep the same melody. Compare sustained chords with a pulsing ostinato and drum pattern. Notice which layer changes your sense of pursuit.