A rhythmic technique where emphasis is placed on normally weak beats or off-beats, creating a sense of rhythmic surprise or displacement that energizes the music.
From Greek synkope, meaning 'a cutting short' or 'fainting,' through Latin syncopa. In music, it literally means 'cutting short' the expected rhythm by emphasizing unexpected beats.
Syncopation is the heartbeat of jazz, ragtime, and much popular music—it's what makes you want to tap your foot or dance! Scott Joplin's ragtime piano pieces were revolutionary because they took European march rhythms and 'ragged' them with African-American syncopated patterns, creating an entirely new American sound.
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