Different Speeds

How to notate music at first, second, and third speeds

Carnatic music often progresses through multiple speeds. This recipe shows how to notate the same phrase at different speeds using the \beatDuration command.

First Speed (1-2 notes per beat)

At first speed, typically 1 or 2 notes occupy each beat:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(1) \line("First Speed - 1 note per beat") Sw: S R G M P D N S. Sh: sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa \cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(2) \line("First Speed - 2 notes per beat") Sw: S R [G M] P D [N S.] Sh: sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa

Second Speed (4 notes per beat)

Second speed uses 4 notes per beat. This is the most common notation speed:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Second Speed") Sw: S R G M P D N S. R. S. N D P M G R S Sh: sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa sa ni dha pa ma ga ri sa

Third Speed (8 notes per beat)

Third speed doubles the density again to 8 notes per beat:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(8) \line("Third Speed") Sw: S R G M P D N S. R. S. N D P M G R S .N .D S R G M P D

Progressive Speed Changes

A composition often transitions between speeds. Here's how to notate that:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(2) \line("First Speed") Sw: S R G M P D N S. \beatDuration(4) \line("Second Speed") Sw: S R G M P D N S. R. S. N D P M G R S \beatDuration(8) \line("Third Speed") Sw: S R G M P D N S. R. S. N D P M G R S .N .D S R G M P D \beatDuration(4) \line("Back to Second") Sw: S. , , , , , , S Sh: sa , , , , , , sa

Using Groups for Variety

Combine groups with beat duration for rhythmic variety:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Mixed grouping") Sw: S R [G M] P [D N S.] R. [S. N D P] M G R S

Tips

  • Use \beatDuration(1) or \beatDuration(2) for first speed
  • Use \beatDuration(4) for second speed (most common)
  • Use \beatDuration(8) for third speed
  • Use \line with margin text to mark speed transitions
  • Square brackets create subdivisions within beats

See Also