MUL2010 Core Terms

Canon

Where one or more voices imitate a leading melody/voice. The two or more parts will overlap. Eg frère Jacques

Call and Response

Where one voice initiate an idea and another follows in a similar or slightly varied way melodically/rhythmically

Countermelody

A second melody (directly) above or below the main melody

Similar motion

Melody notes going in the same direction

Contrary motion

Melody notes going in the opposite direction

Cross rhythm/polyrhythm/hemiola

Two different rhythms used at the same time, eg 2 quavers in the melody and triplet quavers in the bass

Development

Changes/variations of motif and themes (imitation, sequence, inversion, fragmentation, augmentation, diminution)

Fragmentation

Breaking a theme into little bits in order to develop it

Extension

Developing a phrase or motif by making it longer

Imitation

Repetition by one or more different voices/instruments of a phrase

Inversion

Turning melody, rhythm, harmony, phrase, theme, motif upside down (reverse the order)

Sequence

Repetition of a musical phrase at a higher or lower pitch

Ostinato

A repeated accompaniment pattern that can be rhythmic or melodic, maintained throughout the section/piece

Repetition

Where a phrase is repeated immediately (exact)

Variation

Repetition with a slight change

Motif

A short theme that can be manipulated using other devices

Riff

Jazz/rock equivalent of ostinato

Voice leading

The technique of changing smoothly from one chord to another with as little movement as possible between the chord tones. Often used in Jazz, choir harmonies and string ensembles

Transition

The shift from one musical idea or section to another. Transitions can be smooth or abrupt depending on what the composer is trying to achieve.