Music theory chapter 6

Motive/motif

Short recurring figure that appears throughout a section of music that unifies music

Melodic motive

Repeated pitch pattern

Rhythmic motive

recurring rhythmic pattern

Sequence

immediate restatement of a melodic motive in the same part at a higher or lower pitch. each statement forms a segment

Sequence characteristics

• Requires at least 2 segments

• contains no more than 3 or 4 segments

• Only in one direction, segments succeed each other at continuingly higher or lower pitches

• Intervals continue in the same interval distance

Real sequence

continuing segments that are exact transpositions of the first

Tonal sequence

Only diatonic scale notes are used in the transposition

Phrase

substantial musical though ending with a harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic cadence that is often 4 measures

Phrase members

parts of a phrase divided by melodic interruptions, usually longer note values or rests that are often contrasting

Repeated phrases

2 phrases that do not form a period and the 2nd period depends on the first

Antecedent

Weak phrase of a cadence

Consequent

Strong phrase of a period

Dissimilar phrases

A series of phases that do not construct a period

Climax tone

Highest stressed pitch of a phrase or other unit that is usually only reached once

Cantabile

expression marking used to instruct performers to play in a smooth, lyrical, and singing style, evoking a sense of expressive melody and emotional resonance.

Augmentation

Slower rhythmic values motive transposition

Diminution

Faster rhythmic values motive transposition

Fragmentations

Transposition of a motive where a section of it is repeated and changed in some way

Inversion

Intervals go in the opposite direction

Retrograde

Backwards