I've Got Rhythm - Who Could Ask For Anything More?

The final variance between Ode To The Yellow River and the Overture of Exogenesis can be found in the Rhythm.  Exogenesis uses a very simple rhythm pattern.  The piece consists of primarily dotted half notes, dotted quarter notes, and eighth notes.  In measure 37, the composition uses sixteenth notes in the arpeggios but the slow meter and 6/8 time keep the rhythm simple and even.  There is very little syncopation in the composition.  The trickiest rhythm is experienced in the vocal line where slurs, dotted quarter notes and an eighth note rest throw off the predictability of the melody.  The sixteenth note arpeggios keep perfect time behind the melody so the piece never loses it’s deliberate feeling.

The Overture Exogenesis: Simple Rhythm Patterns

Ode To The Yellow River creates more complex rhythm patterns.  Combinations of quarter notes, dotted eighth notes, and sixteenth notes create multiple rhythm patterns.  Slurs added to the mix create more variation.  The entire ensemble has a measure of thirty second note runs which adds to the complexity of the piece.

Ode To The Yellow River: Complex Rhythm Pattern