Syncopation

Syncopation - an interruption of the regular flow of rhythm. At moments in jazz, syncopation can be overt. At other times, for example in the minimalist music of John Adams, it is more subtle. On every occasion it provokes my response.

I have loved syncopation since early childhood when I first heard music like Sweet Georgia Brown. My introduction to the works of Scott Joplin as a young piano student confirmed that the interuption of a beat was the musical destination I most wanted to reach.

In this artwork the underlying regular grid is synonymous with the beat. Varying tones interrupt the lattice providing rhythm and texture.

A segment from the full size image is presented below.