What does the term 'mixed metre' refer to in music?

The term 'mixed metre' refers to the changing time signature throughout a piece. This means that the music does not stay in one specific time signature but instead shifts between different signatures, which creates a varied and dynamic rhythmic structure. This technique can add excitement and complexity to music, allowing composers to explore diverse rhythmic patterns and to enhance the emotional or narrative aspects of their compositions.

In contrast, consistent rhythm would imply a single time signature maintained throughout, while the repetition of melodies relates to structure rather than rhythm. Syncopation refers specifically to the rhythmic displacement of beats and would not necessarily involve changes in time signatures.