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Music Theory > Compositional Devices > Flashcards

Compositional Devices Flashcards

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Ultimate Music Theory flashcards
1
Q

Motif

A

A short theme that can be manipulated using other devices

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2
Q

Repetition

A

Where a phrase is repeated exactly

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3
Q

Transposition

A

The rewriting of the ex tempore performance of a composition at another pitch ie in another key

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4
Q

Sequence

A

Repetition of a musical phrase at a higher or lower pitch

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5
Q

Variation

A

Repetition with changes

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6
Q

Development

A

Changes/variations of a motif and themes

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7
Q

Augmentation

A

Repetition of a musical idea using longer note values. Sounds similar but slower

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8
Q

Diminution

A

Repetition of a musical idea using shorter note values (sounds similar but slower)

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9
Q

Fragmentation

A

Breaking a theme into little bits in order to develop it

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10
Q

Extension

A

Developing a phrase or motif by making it longer

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11
Q

Inversion

A

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

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12
Q

Retrograde

A

The musical idea played backwards

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13
Q

Call and response

A

Where one voice initiates a musical idea and another follows in a similar/ slightly varied way melodically/rhythmically

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14
Q

Contrary motion

A

Melody notes/going in the opposite direction

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15
Q

Similar motion

A

Melody/ notes going in the same direction

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16
Q

Imitation

A

Repetition/copying of a musical idea by another instrumental/vocal part

17
Q

Canon

A

When one or more voices imitate a leading musical idea EXACTLY. The two or more parts will overlap

18
Q

Cross rhythm/ Polyrhythm

A

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

19
Q

Countermelody

A

A second melody directly above or below the main melody

20
Q

Ostinato

A

A repeated accompaniment pattern that ca be rhytmic or melodic maintained throughout the section or piece

21
Q

Riff

A

Jazz/ Rock equivalent of an ostinato

22
Q

Pedal Point

A

A sustained tone in one or more parts (during which at least one foreign ei dissonant harmony is sounded in the other parts)

23
Q

Modulation

A

Changing keys within a piece of music

Music Theory (15 decks)

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