Scales and Melody

Question 1

Interval

Answer 1

The distance between two pitches.

Question 2

Unison

Answer 2

Two pitches that match exactly. Same Hz and vibration.

Question 3

Octave

Answer 3

A pitch vibrating exactly twice as fast as another. Duplication at a higher pitch level.

Question 4

Asymmetry is crucial for ___ ___.

Answer 4

Aural orientation.

Question 5

Points at which we feel at rest exist in ___ scales, but not in ___ scales.

Answer 5

Diatonic, chromatic.

Question 6

Is there a sense of arrival in chromatic scales?

Answer 6

No.

Question 7

The asymmetry of the diatonic scale creates ___, where one note leads into the other.

Answer 7

Function.

Question 8

Melody

Answer 8

Organized series of pitches. Single line of pitches in time.

Question 9

Melody is a ___ concept (referred to as melodic line).

Answer 9

Linear.

Question 10

Tunes

Answer 10

A subset of melody.

Question 11

What distinguishes a tune and melody?

Answer 11

If you can’t sing it, it is not a tune. However, it can be a melody.

Question 12

Motive

Answer 12

• A distinctive fragment of a melody.
• Building block of melody or music.
• Can be repeated, flipped inside out, turned around, etc.

Question 13

Theme

Answer 13

• What closely correlates to tune.
• The topic of the larger work.
• Unit upon which the composer bases his work, a movement, or a section.
• Too big to be called motive.

Question 14

Phrase

Answer 14

A subsection of a melody. Something you have to breathe after.

Question 15

Balanced Phrases

Answer 15

They are the same length.

Question 16

Parallel Phrases

Answer 16

Audibly similar, but varied, ability to answer one another. Not the same length. Uses motives from the first phrase.

Question 17

Sequence

Answer 17

Successive varied repetition of a motive or phrase at two or more different pitch levels.

Question 18

Climax

Answer 18

A high point of intensity, and often of pitch.

Question 19

Cadence

Answer 19

• A point of rest (interim or final).
• Often a longer notes.
• Often on a point of arrival in the scale (asymmetry).