Meter in music commonly refers to the method of counting time or conducting the time signature, but there is also the meter given as part of a hymn analysis that refers to the number of syllables in each line, which is identical for every verse. Read on for a fuller explanation.
Most musicians when you ask them about meter will respond with reference to the macro and micro beats that make up all of western music. The steady pulse, like a heart beat is constant underlying the rhythm or pattern of faster and slower sounds. The pulse or beat is grouped for ease, both of concept and reading, most commonly into groups of four. This is how we have “Common Meter” or the common Time Signature 4 4 (Say ‘four four’). Note that one number should be written above the other, but there is no line between, it is NOT a fraction. The upper number gives the number of beat in each measure, the lower number give the type of beat, in this case, quarter notes (crotchets). Other regular Time Signatures for example are 2 4, 3 4.
As well as Simple Time Signatures there are Compound Time Signatures in which case the Beat or Pule is divided into 3, rather than into two parts (or four parts). Think of a lullaby, rocking a baby to sleep, a gigue or a waltz – if you know what that is. Compound Time is used in hymns such as blessed Assurance, There Shall be Showers of Blessing, The Glory Song – you should be able to feel the fast groups of three throughout, but when conducting, only the macro beat – the larger groupings are counted. In this case 6 8 Time signature is conducted with two beats per measure.
In a hymn book, you may notice that there is a meter given as a string of numbers with a dot between. If your music hymnbook has a metrical index it will begin with smaller numbers, listed next to the hymn numbers. Some may use SM = Short meter, CM = Common Meter, LM = Long Meter, those with refrain or chorus may be listed separately.
The meter in this case refers to the number of syllables in each line. NB. A syllable is a single sound, don’t be afraid to use your fingers to help you count as you speak the words aloud (aloud has 2 syllables, syllable has 3). Here is an example:
A mighty fortress is our God, 8 syllables
a bulwark never failing; 7 syllables
our helper he, amid the flood 8 syllables
of mortal ills prevailing. 7 syllables
For still our ancient foe 6 syllables
does seek to work us woe; 6 syllables
his craft and power are great, 6 syllables
and armed with cruel hate, 6 syllables
on earth is not his equal. 7 syllables
This is how we get the meter 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7. This explanation however, is rather simplistic as there is a lot more to the study of meter in poetry. Consider that in addition to counting the meter, in English we have stressed and unstressed metrical rhythms. These also can be grouped in pairs or three’s. There are names for the different types of stresses and the poetry that results. Consider for example the popular “iambic pentameter” that consists of five ‘feet’ or ten syllables per line, alternating the stress. trochaic pentameter is the same length, but the stress is on the first syllable of the alternating pairs. You can also look up dimeter, trimeter, hexameter, heptameter, anapest, spondee and more! (See links below for details)
Britannica link:https://www.britannica.com/art/rhythm-music
Meter in music: https://musictheory.pugetsound.edu/mt21c/meter.html#:~:text=Meter%20describes%20the%20number%20of,Dictionary%20of%20Jazz%2C%202nd%20edition.
Iambic Pentameter: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/iambic-pentameter/#:~:text=Iambic%20pentameter%20(pronounced%20eye%2DAM,da%2DDUM%20da%2DDUM.
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