In isorhythmic music, the repeating rhythmic pattern, usually applied to the tenor, that defines the units of the isorhythmic structure. [See color.] [MLD; GJC

a rhythmic pattern (longer than a motive) which is repeated exactly in an isorhythmic tenor. One refers to the "number of talea" when determining the structure of the isorhythmic voice. The talea may be augmented or diminished as long as the rhythmic proportions stay the same. See isorhythm.