Devices

Question 1

Ostinato

Answer 1

Repeating short melodies or motifs

Question 2

Layering

Answer 2

Adding layers of melodies

Question 3

Augmentation

Answer 3

Playing the melody twice as slow, then twice as slow again

Question 4

Diminution

Answer 4

Playing twice as fast, then twice as fast again

Question 5

Note subtraction

Answer 5

Taking one note away each time

Question 6

Note addition

Answer 6

Adding one note every time

Question 7

Metamorphis

Answer 7

Change one note at a time in a melody until it sounds completely different

Question 8

Static harmony

Answer 8

Changing the chord by changing one note at a time

Question 9

Phasing

Answer 9

A longer or shorter version looped over the top of the melody

Question 10

Rhythmic displacement

Answer 10

Accenting one different note each time

Question 11

Imitation

Answer 11

The melody is copied by another instrument

Question 12

Sequence

Answer 12

Playing the melody going up or down a step in pitch with each repeat

Question 13

Retrograding

Answer 13

Playing the melody backwards

Question 14

Repetition

Answer 14

Repeating the melody

Question 15

Harmonising in 3rds, 5ths, or octaves

Answer 15

Simple harmonies in 3rds (6ths), 5ths (4ths), and octaves over or under the melody

Question 16

Call and response

Answer 16

‘Question’ melody which is ‘answered’ with another phrase

Question 17

Obbligato

Answer 17

An instrument essential to a composition (like a concerto)

Question 18

Cadenza

Answer 18

Instrumental virtuoso section

Question 19

Break

Answer 19

Instrumental or percussive section

Question 20

Fugue

Answer 20

Variation on a main theme in contrapuntal music

Question 21

Drone/pedal

Answer 21

Held notes usually in the bass