Melody Flashcards
What is anacrusis?
The melody does NOT start on the 1st beat of the bar
Anacrusis often creates a sense of anticipation in music.
Define conjunct in music.
Notes move by step (next-door notes like C-D)
Conjunct melodies are generally smoother and easier to sing.
What does disjunct refer to in a melody?
Lots of leaps between notes (bigger intervals)
Disjunct melodies can create a more dramatic effect.
What is meant by angular in music?
Melody which is characterised by wide leaps and irregular intervals
Angular melodies often convey tension or complexity.
What is an arpeggio?
Playing the notes of a chord one by one
Arpeggios are commonly used in both classical and popular music.
Define scalic movement.
Notes follow the order of a scale, one after the other
Scalic melodies are often used to create a sense of flow.
What is ascending melody?
A melody which rises in pitch
Ascending melodies can evoke feelings of hope or uplift.
What does descending melody refer to?
A melody which falls in pitch
Descending melodies can create a feeling of sadness or resolution.
What is meant by low pitch?
A low sound
Low pitches are often associated with depth and richness.
What is high pitch?
A high sound
High pitches can convey brightness and clarity.
Define range in music.
The distance between the highest and lowest note in a piece of music
A wider range can create a more dynamic musical expression.
What is a sequence in music?
A short tune repeated a step higher, or a step lower
Sequences are a common compositional technique to develop themes.
What does imitation refer to in music?
A phrase is repeated by a different instrument
Imitation can create texture and depth in a musical piece.
What is meant by repetition in music?
A melody is repeated
Repetition can reinforce themes and make music more memorable.
Define contrast in music.
One melody is a different shape to another melody
Contrast helps to maintain listener interest and highlight differences.
What is a leitmotif?
A short recurring melodic phrase throughout a piece of music, associated with a particular person or object
Leitmotifs are often used in operas and film scores.
What is a motif in music?
A short melodic idea that has special importance in the music
Motifs serve as building blocks for larger musical structures.
Define octave.
The distance between 8 consecutive notes (eg. C-C)
An octave can create a sense of completeness in music.
What is a semitone?
The distance of half a tone (eg. from a white note to the black note next to it)
Semitones are the smallest interval used in Western music.
What does tone refer to in music?
The distance between next door notes in a major scale (eg. C-D)
Tones form the basis of scales and melodies.
What is a major 3rd?
The distance between 3 notes apart in a major scale (eg. C-E)
Major thirds are essential in forming major chords.
Define perfect 4th.
The distance between 4 notes apart in a major scale (eg. C-F)
Perfect fourths are often used in harmonies.
What is a perfect 5th?
The distance between 5 notes apart in a major scale (eg. C-G)
Perfect fifths are fundamental in Western music harmony.
What does major 6th refer to?
The distance between 6 notes apart in a major scale (eg. C-A)
Major sixths can add richness to melodies and harmonies.
