Factors That Influence Tempo
Smallest Prevalent Note Values (continued)
Along the line of prevalent note values are the “cut-time” hymns--those in 2/2 or 3/2 meter, and compound-meter hymns--those in 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8. These deserve special consideration.
Hymns in 2/2 or 3/2 meter
In these hymns the HALF NOTE receives the pulse, not the quarter. The quarter notes that occur in these hymns should feel like eighth notes in most 4/4 hymns. Never play such hymns slowly enough that the quarter note seems to receive the pulse.
Hymns in 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8 meter
In these hymns the DOTTED QUARTER NOTE receives the pulse, not the eighth note. In 6/8 meter there are TWO (not 6) beats per measure. In 9/8 there are THREE (not 9). In 12/8 there are FOUR (not 12). Never play such hymns slowly enough that the eighth note seems to receive the pulse.
