What is Polyrhythm? (Piano example)

In this video, I take you through the process of composing a piano étude in 7/8 — an irregular meter that feels both unstable and full of energy.

The main focus of this étude is polyrhythm, more specifically metric displacement: both hands stay in seven eight, but they organize and accent the rhythm in different ways. While the right hand fits comfortably into the meter, the left hand creates four-note groupings that continuously shift against it, producing a layered rhythmic effect.

I also briefly touch on the difference between polyrhythm and polymeter, and explain why this piece remains polyrhythmic despite suggesting multiple metric organizations.

The fragment is presented both in sound and in notation, with a close look at how the rhythmic displacement appears on the score. For clarity, the excerpt is played without pedal, so every rhythmic detail remains clearly audible.

This étude is written mostly in seven eight and revolves around C minor, combining an irregular meter with a clear tonal center.

Timestamps:
00:00 the main Idea of my etude
00:22 What is an étude?
00:38 Problems in my etude: Polirhythm and meter 7/8
01:02 Meter 7/8 in musical cultures
01:30 what is Polirhythm?
03:03 Presentation of my composition in the score
04:52 Presentation of the first fragment of my new étude

???? If you’re interested in composition, rhythm, irregular meters, or piano writing, this video is for you.

You can buy my scores here:

http://scoreexchange.com/profiles/266941

If you'd like to play my pieces and have any questions, feel free to send an email to: kamilkosecki@gmail.com

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https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWNjO_k-SSdTx-ZC4b8sLBfUpA8TXw7vo

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#piano #classicalmusic #etude #composingmusic