en:vok:synkope

LEXIS

Syncopation means shifting the rhythm of a piece relative to its bar by actually emphasizing unstressed notes (accent shift). This results in a deviation from the expected beat which has an exciting effect. Often this is achieved by overbinding (the last note of a bar is connected to the first notes of the following bar), punctuation (one note is extended, the next note is shortened and tied to the third note) and offbeat.