Synthesis: Ratio properties, considered in conjunction with orientations of ratio experience (under conditions of multi-lateral stream exposure)


Ratio properties themselves take on different meanings, depending upon our orientation to the experience of the ratios in the passing of time. Each of these quadrants describes phenomena and distinctions that are especially available through the plurality that occurs when 'structures of exposure' aggregate/distinguish lines of continuity on the basis of multiple, simultaneous, and conflicting cues.

The bold text in the lower-right hand corner of this table describes the synthesis of 'motivic' orientations to the experience of a ratio's property of complexity. This condition in particular motivates the compositional practices that I am calling rhythmically "heterarchical." Crucially, this set of phenomena do not arise from consideration of any one term by itself: it requires multi-lateral stream segregation, a motivic orientation to rhythmic experience, and attention to qualitative distinctions among ratios' properties of complexity.

 

 

Metric:

Motivic:

Properties:

Azimuth (value disparity)

Increase in ”inegal,” or hardening of swing or shuffle, at the extremes; straight/even at the center.

 

Rhythm as 'contour,' and a bearer of identity. Relations between agogic accent and release, as well as other qualities of proportion, are appreciated as qualitative distinctions.

 

Complexity

In metric note-value patterns, distinguish strict 'clock-time' interpretations from inflected ones.
[For example: inflected, idiomatic renditions of an ostinato " ]h q }" are likely to manifest complex (high-number ratio) approximations of 2:1, like 11:5, 13:7, etc.]

 

Distinguish degrees of association (or dissociation) with metric time, 'unpulsedness' as a reinforcement of plurality and heterarchy; particularly allowing timespans and ratios the chance for independent and qualitative value, undermining unilateral subordinations and superordinations of time.