The fundamental role of rhythm in the experience of music is taken for granted in our culture — and in most other cultures as well. Rhythm is the main driving force in music both popular and classical, music of all ages and all cultures.

In a more specific sense, “a rhythm” refers to the actual arrangement of durations — long and short notes — in a particular melody or some other musical passage. Of course, the term rhythm is also used in other contexts, about quarterbacks, poems, and even paintings. But no sport and no other art handles rhythm with as much precision and refinement as music.