syncopation (sĭngˌkəpāˈshən, sĭnˌ–) [key] [New Gr., = cut off ], in music, the accentuation of a beat that
syncopation (sĭngˌkəpāˈshən, sĭnˌ–) [key] [New Gr., = cut off ], in music, the accentuation of a beat that normally would be weak according to the rhythmic division of the measure. Although the normally strong beat is not usually effaced by the process, there are occasions (e.g., the second theme in the final movement of Schumann's Piano Concerto in A Minor) when the natural rhythmic structure is entirely altered, the syncopation being so elaborate and persistent that the a