semibreve
Definition
Noun: A semibreve is a musical note that represents the longest standard duration in Western musical notation. It is an open, oval note head without a stem. In common time (4/4 time signature), a semibreve is held for four full beats.
Usage
The word "semibreve" is used specifically in the context of reading, writing, or discussing written music to refer to this note value. * In British English, "semibreve" is the standard term. * In American English, the equivalent term is "whole note."
Examples
- The melody begins with a single semibreve.
- In this bar, you must hold the semibreve for the entire four beats.
- A semibreve is twice as long as a minim (half note).
Advanced Usage
- Dotted semibreve: A semibreve followed by a dot increases its duration by half its original value. In 4/4 time, a dotted semibreve is held for six beats (4 + 2).
- The phrase ends with a dotted semibreve.
- The semibreve serves as the reference point from which other note values are derived (e.g., a minim is half a semibreve, a crotchet is a quarter of a semibreve).
Variants and Related Words
- Whole note (noun): The American English term for a semibreve.
- Minim (noun): A note with half the duration of a semibreve (called a "half note" in American English).
- Crotchet (noun): A note with a quarter of the duration of a semibreve (called a "quarter note" in American English).
Synonyms
- Whole note (US English equivalent)
Related Terms (Not Synonyms)
- Note value: The general term for the duration of a note (e.g., semibreve, minim, crotchet).
- Duration: The length of time a note is held.
- Common time: The 4/4 time signature where a semibreve receives four beats.
Noun
-
a musical note having the longest time value (equal to four beats in common time)
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
