Re:Is Pop Music Evolving, or Is It Just Getting Louder? (2012)
by analog31 on Wednesday August 22, 2018 @12:05PM
(#17819689)
Indeed, "music theory" is largely melodic and harmonic theory, and the study of the study of larger structures such as the sonata form. Rhythm is left up to the personal taste of the composer and performer.
The difference between a perfect groove and crap rhythm programming is literally ms, and the difference between talent and mediocrity is often down to being able to feel those tiny timing offsets.
It's also a central feature of classical performances. Timing variations are controlled with extreme precision, and can make or break an interpretation.