(ii) Tempo

By tempo, I mean the length of the composition. The tempo can be of any length, although in practice it is generally favoured around a tempo of 10, for reasons as I detail below. Fig. 2 shows a tempo of 10 for both 1- (top) and 2- (bottom) beats.

Fig. 2. Tempo

Application

I now turn to matters of application, with examples based on the above, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. There are obvious differences here, in two main ways: (i) the physical length of the composition, which doubles, and the condition of tiling, of which only 0, 0; 1, 1; 2, 2 possesses this feature.

Fig. 3. 1-Beat to the Bar.

Observations
Fig. 3, of 1-beat, can be seen to lose the condition of tiling, whilst Fig. 4, of 2-beats, possesses this feature, in alternate columns with transition zones (this is a necessity of the process, and is not a fault in any way; by its very nature, with successive changes, it is impossible for all tiles to tile). Whether the loss on the condition of tiling is acceptable is a moot point. Strictly, in his two conditions, Huff rules this type out. However, many examples of this type can be seen in the Huff-student inspired work, and so presumably this must have met with his approval. Of the two types, I greatly favour 2-beats. To me, the condition of a tiling is a major factor. For initial study purposes in general, it is of course quicker to use the 1-beat before the drawing out in full of the favoured 2-beat. A 1-beat can thus be described as curtailed. However, this curtailed beat does have its place. It is perhaps better employed on two-dimensional studies, as this can in practice lead to practical difficulties when drawn out in full, as a 2-beat. Such compositions in terms of the number of tiles may otherwise involve hundreds of tiles, which can quickly become overwhelming.

Having thus determined the ideal beat, the question of the tempo now arises. But what is the ideal tempo? In short, this is to a degree subjective. As abstract concepts, this is neither too ‘quick’ nor too ‘slow’ but rather somewhere in between. A ‘quick’ example would be where the change is too drastic, of just a cycle of say, two or four stages (Figs. 12 and 13). This would result in a too abrupt a metamorphosis and would be jarring to the eye. On the other hand, a ‘slow’ instance, of say 20 stages (Fig. 18), where the change at each stage is not perceptible, would make for tedious viewing on grounds of excess length. A default tempo of 10 is judged just about ideal, neither too quick nor slow, although there is no firm single choice. Close tempos on either side of this, with 8 (Fig. 15) and 12 (Fig. 18), are still deemed permissible within an aesthetic range. However, beyond this point, with tempos of 6 (Fig. 14) and 14, these become a little too quick and slow respectively, and furthermore, with ever-declining (4 and 2), and increasing instances (16+) even more so, are thus deemed unacceptable.

Therefore, the default beat is 2 (1, 1; 2, 2…) with a tempo of 10 (0-10).

Below I show examples of the above discussion, where matters of the beats, and various tempos, are shown. Note that I show a curtailed range for reasons of expediency, where I show only even number instances. This is judged sufficient for assessment purposes. Each diagram is then briefly discussed.

Further, since drawing large number tempos is relatively time consuming (and arguably is excessive), rather than show the entire range from 0-20, upon the drawing of 0-12, I then omit 0-14 to 0-18, with 0-20 chosen as the large number exemplar. Regarding transitions between the tiles, these should be perceptible, but not to an abrupt or imperceptible degree. Of course, perhaps some people may disagree with me here, especially so of the imperceptible degree types, as shown by 0-20 here. Undoubtedly, this is a smooth transition, and is not without merit. Indeed, I have seen implied tempos of 0-100 on others’ work. However, I consider that nonetheless the change between the tiles should be noticeable.

Fig. 5. 1-beat, tempo 0-2.

Far too quick, with a jarring transition, and is unacceptable.

Fig. 6. 1-beat, tempo 0-4 (reduced in scale for convenience of viewing)

Too quick, still with a jarring transition, and although better than 0-2, is still unacceptable.

Fig. 7. 1-beat, tempo 0-6 (reduced in scale for convenience of viewing)

Quick, in between a jarring and semi-acceptable transition, and although better than 0-4 is still with reservation.

Fig. 8. 1-beat, tempo 0-8.

Quickish, with an acceptable perceptible transition, where the transition is relatively smooth. Judged as usable for a defining work.

Fig. 10. 1-beat, tempo 0-12

Slowish, with an acceptable perceptible transition, where the transition is relatively smooth. Judged as usable for a defining work.

2-Beat (0, 0; 1, 1, 2, 2...) - 7 Examples

Fig. 12. 2-beat, tempo 0-2

Far too quick, with a jarring transition, and is unacceptable.

Fig. 13. 2-beat, tempo 0-4

Too quick, still with a jarring transition, and although better than 0-2, is still unacceptable.

Fig. 14. 2-beat, tempo 0-6

Quick, in between a jarring and semi-acceptable transition, and although better than 0-4 is still with reservation.

Fig. 15. 2-beat, tempo 0-8

Quickish, with an acceptable perceptible transition, where the transition is relatively smooth. Judged as usable for a defining work.

Fig. 16. 2-beat, tempo 0-10

Perfectly balanced, neither too quick nor slow, with a perceptible smooth transition. Judged as ideal for a defining work/default choice of a ‘standard model’.

Fig. 17. 2-beat, tempo 0-12

Slowish, with an acceptable perceptible transition, where the transition is relatively smooth. Judged as usable for a defining work.

Fig. 18. 2-beat, tempo 0-20

Far too slow, with imperceptible transitions, and is unacceptable on grounds of excess length (the divisions are to fine to show at this scale).

Page Created 22 February 2021. Last updated 25 February 2021.