noun
- plural of hemiola; rhythmic patterns in music where two groups of three beats are played against three groups of two beats
Usage: music theory
Examples
- The composer used several hemiolas to create rhythmic tension in the piece.
- Baroque music frequently features hemiolas at cadential points.
- The pianist struggled with the hemiolas in the final movement.
- These hemiolas give the dance a distinctive cross-rhythm.
- Students must practice identifying hemiolas in their music theory class.