MELODY

A Melody is a succession of single notes that add up to a recognizable whole.

Melodies are structured in similar way to speech.

Melody - notes form phrases form periods

Speech - words form phrases form sentences

Cadence - occurs at the end of a phrase

Incomplete Cadence- acts like a comma

Complete Cadence - acts like a period

PHRASE STRUCTURE

Phrase structure can be analyzed by the relating melody of each phrase to what preceded it. There are three relationships to consider.

Letters of the alphabet are used for phrase and form analysis in music.

Repetition a a means the second phrase is the same as the first

Contrast a b means the second phrase is different

Variation a a’ means the second phrase is similar in some ways

but different in other ways

Sequence -is a particular type of variation when the melodic shape and rhythms are the same but the pitches are different.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

a b

Home on the Range

a a’ b a’

Mary Had A Little Lamb

a a’

Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 - beginning

Motive