Minimal chronometric forms

Whereas three beats are normally enough to determine two measures of equal duration, the minimal metrical formula seems generally to be composed of 2-2 beats, the pairing of two couples of beats, from which can be derived periodical series of 2-2 beats (repeated slogans) or elaborations by metrical unbalancing (3-4 and 4-3 beats notably). Several aspects of these minimal combinations are studied here.

• Affiliations: 1: University of Nantes, Laboratoire de linguistique de Nantes, France