DURATION relates to the length of notes, time signatures, metres, note values, rhythmic patterns, speed. In other words, anything to do with timing and the structure of timing in a piece is duration.
The important things one must look for in the analysis of duration is to describe the beat/pulse. The beat is the recurring pulse which we feel in a piece. These beats ay be strong or weak, steady or even indefinite.
Look for accents in each bar, are there notes that are regularly accented? e.g. the first beat of every bar? or does the piece contain irregular accents?
For those who do listen/play music regularly, the metre or bar length shouldn't be too hard. Refer to the metre by describing how the music is divided into time groupings, whether its constant or changing, the time signature, if its in simple or compound time or even irregular combinations such as 2+2+3.
Describe the note values by stating whther they are sustained, dotted, a proceeding of fast notes, runs and take note of the different parts or voices and their differences in note values.
Are there rhythmic patterns used? (I'll explain these terms later) Look for riffs, ostinatos, repetitive patterns, polyrhythms, dotted patterns and syncopated patterns
The mood is quite important but simple...simple descriptions such as animated, lively, dramatic, slow and constant motion are sufficient.
Last of all, tempo. Note the changes in tempo - are they sudden or gradual? are there accelerando's or ritardando's? do these changes create an effect or reflect a change in another aspect?
All these are just examples of things to describe, not everything is necessary in an analysis of duration but whatever you can spot, just write it down...no harm down =)
here concludes yet another lesson~
