Compositional Devices Flashcards
Motif
A short theme that can be manipulated using other devices
Repetition
Where a phrase is repeated exactly
Transposition
The rewriting of the ex tempore performance of a composition at another pitch ie in another key
Sequence
Repetition of a musical phrase at a higher or lower pitch
Variation
Repetition with changes
Development
Changes/variations of a motif and themes
Augmentation
Repetition of a musical idea using longer note values. Sounds similar but slower
Diminution
Repetition of a musical idea using shorter note values (sounds similar but slower)
Fragmentation
Breaking a theme into little bits in order to develop it
Extension
Developing a phrase or motif by making it longer
Inversion
Turning melody/rhythm/harmony/phrase/theme/motif upside down (reverse the order)
Retrograde
The musical idea played backwards
Call and response
Where one voice initiates a musical idea and another follows in a similar/ slightly varied way melodically/rhythmically
Contrary motion
Melody notes/going in the opposite direction
Similar motion
Melody/ notes going in the same direction
Imitation
Repetition/copying of a musical idea by another instrumental/vocal part
Canon
When one or more voices imitate a leading musical idea EXACTLY. The two or more parts will overlap
Cross rhythm/ Polyrhythm
Two different rhythms used at the same time eg 2 quavers in the bass and triplet quavers used in the melody
Countermelody
A second melody directly above or below the main melody
Ostinato
A repeated accompaniment pattern that ca be rhytmic or melodic maintained throughout the section or piece
Riff
Jazz/ Rock equivalent of an ostinato
Pedal Point
A sustained tone in one or more parts (during which at least one foreign ei dissonant harmony is sounded in the other parts)
Modulation
Changing keys within a piece of music
