John Roeder, "Pulse Streams and Problems of Grouping and Metrical Dissonance in Bartók's 'With Drums and Pipes,'" Music Theory Online 7.1 (2001) << Sect. 2d Section 2e Sect. 2f >>
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[2] Analysis of Grouping and "Metrical Dissonance" (continued)

[2.9] Fourth Block (Example II.5) [click here for suggestions if the movie does not appear or play correctly]

The sequential descent halts at the beginning of m. 38, when loud right-hand clusters combine with percussive sforzandi in the left hand. The block is clearly set off from the immediately preceding and succeeding music by its contrast, articulating a duration (a dotted-whole note) that is quite different from that of the other groups. In the context of grouping theory, this difference seems merely arbitrary. There is the brief suggestion of a grouping dissonance, however, as the left hand attacks clusters every three eighths while the right hand repeats quarter notes.

<< Sect. 2d Section 2e Sect. 2f >>
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