|
| Patterson, p. 14. |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+

The explanation of this duality is simple. A series of identical tones

[Illustration: Identical notes] etc.

contains a simple objective rhythm. The pronounced timer will feel it
clearly; the extreme stresser will not. Change the series to

[Illustration: Alternate long and short notes] etc.,

or

[Illustration: Alternate longer stressed notes and shorter unstressed
notes] etc.,

and both will feel it; for in the last example both time and stress are
obvious, and in the other the longer notes of the series produce the
effect of stress.[7] Most persons, therefore, with a greater or less
degree of consciousness, allow their physical or cerebral metronome to
affect the simple

[Illustration: Identical notes] etc.,

so that they hear or feel either

[Illustration: Alternate stressed and unstressed notes] etc.,

or

[Illustration] etc.,

It is thus that the clock says tick-_tock_, tick-_tock_, the locomotive
_chu_-chu, _chu_-chu. Timers are in the minority.

+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| [7] Musicians often 'dot' a note for the sake of emphasizing |
| the accent, especially in orchestral music and with such |
| instruments as the flute, where variations of stress are |
| difficult to produce. |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+

A converse phenomenon of the subjective introduction of stress into a
series of identical tones at equal intervals is the subjective
'organization' of a series of irregular beats. Some do this more easily
and naturally than others, but the tendency is present in all who are
not absolutely rhythm-deaf. The "minute drops from off the eaves" beat
out a tune, the typewriter develops a monotonous song, the public
speaker 'gets his stride' and continues in a sing-song.

Thus, when there are equal intervals but stress is absent, we more or
less unconsciously supply it; when there are distinct stresses at
irregular intervals we organize them into approximately regular
intervals. We have in us by instinct and by development both the
_ability_ and also the _need_ to draw forth rhythm wherever it is
latent. Rhythm becomes one of our physical and mental pleasures,
manifest in primitive dancing and balladry, sailors' chante