Dupletten

Dupletten is a musical term used to describe a pair of notes treated as a single rhythmic unit within a larger meter. The word derives from the English term duplet, with the plural form Dupletten used in German-language sources. In music theory, a duplet is two notes played in the time normally occupied by three notes of the same value, producing a cross-rhythm or hemiola effect in certain meters.

In notation, duplets are often encountered in polyrhythmic or compound-meter contexts. They are typically indicated by a bracket or beam marking the two notes, sometimes with the number 2 to emphasize the grouping. The essential idea is that the two notes together span the duration traditionally occupied by three notes of the same value, creating a shift in perceived pulse.

A common example occurs in 6/8 time, where a duplet of two eighth notes may be played in the time of three eighth notes across a beat, yielding a contrasting two-note figure against the three-note subdivision. Duplets can also appear in simple meters, such as two quarter notes occupying the time of three quarter notes, depending on the rhythmic plan of the piece.

Dupletten are used to achieve cross-rhythms, add rhythmic variety, or align differently weighted notes in a concert beat. They are frequently discussed in analyses of folk music, marches, and contemporary classical works that explore polyrhythmic textures.

See also: duplet, triplet, tuplet, polyrhythm.