Frequently, student in music theory ask this question: Difference between 4/4 and 2/2 time signatures? Or [i]4/4 VS 2/2?[/i]
I will answer at this question in this article.
Strong and weak beats
For more information about strong and weak beats, read the articles strong and weak beats and time signature.
Strong and weak beats in a 4/4 time signature
strong and weak beats in a 4/4 time signature are allocated like this:
Beat #1 : Strong beat
Beat #2 : weak beat
Beat #3 : Semi strong beat
Beat #4 : weak beat
As if said louder the underlined number in the sentence 1 , 2 , 3 , 4
Strong and weak beats in a 4/4 time signature
strong and weak beats in a 2/2 time signature are allocated like this:
Beat #1 : Strong beat
Beat #2 : weak beat
As if said louder the underlined number in the sentence 1 , 2
Example of different interpretation of strong and weak beats
Let's take the melody excerpt from Les Sauvages written by the french composer Jean-Philippe Rameau.
With a 2/2 time signature and with corresponding strong and weak beats, it will result in this below:
But with a 4/4 time signature and with corresponding strong and weak beats, it will result in this below:
Do you ear the difference of interpretation corresponding to the difference of strong and weak beats?