Introduction

Large-Value Triplets, Duplets, and Three-Against-Two

In this chapter, we explore large-value triplets and duplets––triplets and duplets that span multiple beats. While quarter-note triplets and half-note duplets are the most common ways of representing these patterns, it is not notation that defines the concept. Rather, the defining feature is that a given tuplet spans multiple primary beats. Specifically, a large-value triplet spans two primary beats, and a large-value duplet spans three primary beats. If, for example, quarter-note triplets are performed at a fast enough tempo that the half note is felt as the primary beat, then functionally they are not large-value triplets at all! Instead, they are triplets that span a single beat, and skill needed to perform them is the same as that needed to perform the triplet patterns of Chapter 4. True large-value triplets spanning multiple half-note beats would be notated as half-note triplets.

The underlying skill needed for the accurate performance of large-value triplets and duplets is different from that needed for single-beat triplets and duplets. In fact, accurate performance of large-value triplets rests entirely upon accurate performance of single-beat triplets, so that Chapter 4 must be mastered before continuing in this chapter.

Finally, whereas Chapter 4 separated single-line triplets/duplets from two-part three-against-two as distinct sections, we do not separate large-value triplets and duplets from large-value three-against-two in this way. That is because the accurate performance of large-value triplets and duplets requires the same skills needed for the accurate performance of large-value three-against-two.