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Motif (motive)
A melodic idea that might be repeated throughout a piece, similar to a theme but on a smaller scale
Theme
The melodic figure that serves as the basis of composition
Can be just about anything
Phrase
A portion of a composition with distinct endpoints and concluding with a cadence—usually is a part of a period
Period
Usually composed of 2 phrases, a period is a musical structure in which the first phrase sets up a musical idea and the second phrase resolves the idea
Contrasting vs. parallel periods
Contrasting periods begin differently and thus follow different structures, while parallel ideas build differently upon the same initial idea
Double period
Contains at least 4 phrases, commonly with the first period concluding with a weak cadence as the second with a song
Phrase group
A phrase group is functionally similar to a period, but ends in a half cadence rather than a strong conclusion that would signal the end of a period
Sequence
A musical idea repeated with variations in pitch, following a pattern
Real vs. tonal sequences
A real sequence maintains the exact intervals between notes while a tonal sequence adjusts the pitches to fit the key
False sequence
Part of the sequence is repeated without variation while the other part follows the sequence
Modified sequence
Modified sequences are altered or embellished in some way that does not break the sequence by changing the melody or rhythm entirely
