Melodic Composition Terms

Music Theory Melodic Comp

anacrusis

A note or series of notes that precede the first downbeat of a musical phrase, often creating a sense of anticipation.

phrase

A musical unit that expresses a complete thought, typically consisting of several measures and often marked by a melodic contour.

conjunct

Referring to a melody that moves primarily by step, connecting adjacent notes within a scale, creating a smooth and flowing musical line.

disjunct

Refers to a melodic movement that features large intervals between successive notes, creating a more angular or disconnected sound compared to conjunct melodies.

stepwise

Movement in a melody that progresses by small intervals, typically between adjacent scale degrees, resulting in a smooth and connected sound.

antecedent-consequent

A musical phrase structure where the antecedent presents a question or idea, and the consequent provides an answer or resolution, often found in paired phrases.

period

A musical structure consisting of two or more phrases, typically an antecedent followed by a consequent, which creates a sense of balance and completeness.

parallel period

A type of musical period where both the antecedent and consequent phrases begin similarly, often creating a sense of symmetry and unity.

contrasting period

A musical structure that features two phrases where the second phrase contrasts in melody or harmony with the first, creating a distinct variation in musical material.

repeated parallel period

A musical period that features both antecedent and consequent phrases, which are similar to each other but repeated, enhancing the sense of unity and structure.

double period

A type of musical structure consisting of two pairs of phrases, where the first pair is usually similar and the second pair contrasts, creating a sense of closure.

introduction

A section that precedes the main theme of a musical composition, often setting the mood or establishing key elements.

internal expansion

A compositional technique that extends a musical idea within a section, often through variation or elaboration, allowing for greater development of themes.

cadential extension

A technique in melodic composition where a phrase is lengthened by adding extra material, often occurring just before a cadence to enhance resolution.

elision

A technique where one musical phrase overlaps with another, creating a smooth transition between sections.

literal repetition

The exact restatement of a musical phrase or section, maintaining the same pitches and rhythms as the original.

imitation

A compositional technique where a musical idea is repeated in a different voice or part, often at a different pitch. This creates a sense of dialogue and development within the music.

motive/motif

A short musical idea or theme that is developed and manipulated throughout a composition.

theme

A principal melodic idea that serves as the foundation for a musical composition, often developed and varied throughout the piece.

motivic transformation

the process of altering a motif to create variation and development in a composition.

variation

A process in which a theme is altered or changed to create new musical ideas while retaining recognizable elements of the original theme.

melodic sequence

A repetition of a motif or musical idea at different pitch levels, creating a sense of movement and development in a composition.

inversion/melodic inversion

A technique where the intervals of a melody are reversed, creating a mirror image of the original melody.

mirror inversion

A transformation of a melody where the intervals are reversed, creating a reflection of the original melody across a specific axis.

rhythmic variation

A compositional technique that alters the rhythm of a melody while keeping the original pitches intact, adding interest and complexity to the music.

augmentation

A compositional technique that involves increasing the duration of notes in a melody, often making it appear slower and more expansive.

diminution

A compositional technique that involves shortening the duration of notes in a melody, effectively creating a faster version of the original musical idea.

rhythmic displacement

A compositional technique that shifts the rhythmic placement of notes in a melody, creating unexpected accents and syncopation.

modulation

The process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music, often to create contrast or develop musical ideas.

mode mixture / modal borrowing

A compositional technique that involves combining chords from the parallel major and minor scales, allowing for richer harmonic possibilities and emotional contrasts.

ornamentation/emellishment

The addition of decorative notes or flourishes to a melody, enhancing its expressiveness and complexity.

melodic sequence

A repetitive musical phrase that is transposed to different pitches, creating a sense of progression and development in a melody.