Playing the accent - comparing striking velocity and timing in an ostinato rhythm performed by four drummers. Acustica United with Acta Acustica

Four percussion players ’ strategies for performing an accented stroke were studied by capturing movement tra-jectories. The players played on a force plate with markers on the drumstick, hand, and lower and upper arm. The rhythmic pattern – an ostinato with interleaved accents every fourth stroke – was performed at different dynamic levels, tempi and on different striking surfaces attached to the force plate. The analysis displayed differences between the movement trajectories for the four players, which were maintained consistently during all playing conditions. The characteristics of the players ’ individual movement patterns were observed to correspond well with the striking velocities and timing in performance. The most influential parameter on the movement patterns was the dynamic level with increasing preparatory heights and striking velocity for increasing dynamic level. The interval beginning with the accented stroke was prolonged, the amount of lengthening decreasing with increasing dynamic level. PACS no. 43.75.St, 43.66.Mk, 43.75.Hi 1