What is a key characteristic of Horizontal Hemiola?

Horizontal hemiola is characterized by a rhythmic texture that creates the effect of shifting beats, where multiple values are grouped within a measure. This results in a feeling of duple meter being superimposed over a triple meter. As a result, the listener might perceive a change in pulse or a temporary feeling of rhythmic displacement. The essence of horizontal hemiola lies in its ability to draw attention to certain beats by grouping notes in a way that reinterprets the underlying meter, thus creating tension and a sense of rhythmic complexity.

This contrasts with other options, such as changes in key signature, which refer to alterations in the tonal center of the music rather than rhythmic structures. Alternating dynamics in melody focus on changes in volume levels rather than rhythmic interplay. The use of dissonant intervals deals with harmonic structures instead of rhythm, making option B the only one that accurately describes the unique rhythmic characteristic of horizontal hemiola.