TERMINOLOGY

RATIO

Ratio describes the relationship of the primary to the new (second) time. The 1st number represents the primary time, the 2nd number the secondary time. The terms Positive / Negative describe the direction (accelerando / ritardando).

Example, Positive Ratio: 2 : 1 = accelerando with fade in half time

Example, Negative Ratio: 1 : 2 = ritardando with fade in double time

Other basic forms: 3 : 1 / 1 : 3

Higher Ratios -> Positive: 5 : 1; 7 : 1 etc. - Negative: 1 : 5; 1 : 7 etc.

Metric modulation (more complex ratios)

Positive (accelerando): 3 : 2 / 5 : 4 / 5 : 3 / 5 : 2 etc. - Negative (Ritardando): 2 : 3 / 4 : 5 etc.

Example Ratio 2 : 3: ¼ triplets overlap over 2 accelerated basic beats

SLOPE (steepness of the speed change)

a) FLAT (new tempo (e.g. 2 times) within approx. 30 seconds and more)

b) MODERATE (new tempo within approx. 15-30 seconds)

c) STEEP (new tempo within approx. 5-15 seconds)

SECTION (character)

The term Section describes the basic musical character and defines the tempo zone in which Helix is realized. Although the tempos are constantly changing, these tempo spirals often take place in tempo zones.

This results in different reception of the character of a piece:

LOW SECTION (≤60 bpm); MEDIUM SECTION (60-120); HIGH SECTION (≥120)

MASK (masking)

The term masking describes the zone in which the endlessly flowing transition from primary to secondary tempo can be concealed by overlapping elements. There are different forms of masking

SKIP / JUMP

In addition, unmasked, sudden changes in the tempo levels are used.