Melodies are constructed in phrases.
Phrases - Single coherent musical thoughts that move toward a goal, the cadence.
Sub-phrase - A melodic unit smaller than a phrase and doesn’t end with a cadence.
Often, phrases occur in pairs.
Period - When the first phrase of a pair ends with a weaker cadence and the second with a stronger harmonic conclusion forming an antecedent-consequent relationship.
When phrases are analyzed, they’re labeled with lowercase alphabet letters.
Phrase expansion - Expanding phrases beyond normal phrase lengths by adding material to the beginning, middle, or end.
Melodic motif - Short group of notes repeated throughout the melody to establish its identity and provide thematic unity.
Leitmotif - A motif thematically associated with a person, place, or idea.
Musical theme - A complete melodic phrase anywhere from two to eight measures.
Motivic transformation - Changing or transforming the original motif by using these compositional devices:
^^Ex. →^^ Variations of a melody
Rhythmic transformation - Changes the motif or theme’s rhythm in order to vary it from previous statements of the motif.
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