SUMMARY OF MOTIF MANIPULATION TECHNIQUES Repetition - An exact repeat of a motif. Repetition is also a primary consideration in form. The exact repeating of sections within a tune is fundamental to almost all styles of music. (AB, AABA, ABAC. Song form will be looked at on the following pages.) + Sequence - A repeat of a motif at a different scale degree. Sequences may also appear with chromatic alterations to the original motif. ‘+ Inversion - A repeat of a motif which is turned upside down. Also called mirror image. An inverted motif may also appear with chromatic alterations and may also appear at differing scale locations. + Retrograde - A repeat of a motif backwards. A retrograde motif may also appear with chromatic alterations and may also appear at differing scale locations. + Retrograde inversion - A repeat of a motif upside down and backwards. All the above alterations of inversion and retrograde apply to retrograde inversion. + Expansion of intervals - In any of the above techniques, the enlarging of the interval relationships between pitches. * Contraction of intervals - In any of the above techniques, the decreasing of the interval relationships between pitches. Scansionato con CamScannerPhrase Antecedent Consequent Section Melodie Construction All compositions contain a simple idea called a motif. A univer- sally used method of observing the structure within music is to compare the music with sentences. The analogy will be used here also. A sentence is incomplete, until a period appears. The period signifies the conclusion of the thought Motif______._____ — — Motif repeated____________ “A sentence is incomplete, Motif repeated________ _ — Motif repeated untit a period appears.” Phrase 1_______ _ ____ — —Phrase 2 “A sentence is incomplete, until a period appears.” The above explanation of phrase makeup is not totally universal and is dependent upon the specific situation. However, the example points out some important facts concerning motif usage and phrases: ‘= Motifs are not complete musical expressions. They require conclusions. Most phrases are made with two motif statements. « The same applies to phrases. A concluding idea is necessary. Therefore, complete phrases contain an antecedent and consequent phrase making a “couplet”. Phrase does not have a universal definition. Note that phrase is used to define half a phrase! The true meaning is that which is agreed to by the involved musicians. In songs with lyrics, there is most often a complete verbal statement in a couplet. + The next larger grouping within the song is the section. Sections can be viewed as a song within a song. They, as the motif and phrase, are usually two complete phrase lengths long. mata 61 Scansionato con CamScannerMelodic Construction ‘Song Form 62 — HARMONY 2 - Part 4 Phrase 1_____________ Phrase 2 “A sentence is incomplete, “The period signifies 7 until a period appears. the conclusion of the thought. In the example, the “story” about the sentence is complete ‘enough to give the reader the information necessary to know “why” the sentence is incomplete; the first section is complete. However, it would be more informative for us to get more information about the importance of the above statements. ‘Therefore, the composer could go on to explain further using Additional sections until the song is finished: Section A _Section B_. ____ Added sections as needed. Phrases 1-2 Phrases 3-4 ‘Additional phrases ‘Though the lyrics of this imaginary song continually change, the ‘music they are sung to will often repeat as shown before. In fact, in real music, the lyrics may, and often do, repeat also. The sections within a song make up the song form of the music and are universally designated alphabetical: ‘A= First section and any susequent repeats of that section. (Lyrical changes and very minor music changes are disregarded.) B = Second section and the repeats of it. (C= Third section and the repeats of it. D-and so forth. ‘Some of the common song forms are: A AB ABA AAB AABA ABAC ABCA ABABC ABACD There are not many songs with more then four differing sections. Another very common method of repetition of melodic ideas occurs within a song. Most songs (and in fact compositions of all kinds) contain sections which are literal repeats of previous sections. The repetition of complete musical statements aids the listener with recall Of the basic content and adds cohesion to the overall composi Scansionato con CamScanner ga : x.eae ——, oy a Mie metre Tie Stonen 36 Sue eae Sa tT Sr eee See Pree meta meat meetin STOEL Seng Sen A cme See ee NG eesti eee te ee St SH ae See ee ae EE oom Ps cores Dee ee eS Scansionato con CamScanner6 Melodic Construction An equally acceptable and appropriate analysis might be as follows: ‘Leap Repettion Elision Phrase 5 (rease 9) Phrase 4 Fmeasures measures ‘Sequence Retrograde Repetition Minor 6th begehid Leap a pase 7 tise ae =e Sequence} Repetition (expanded) Octave Leap squence (Phrase 7) eee ‘Sequence Though the phrase lengths for this analysis are shorter, even by combining them and applying the criteria for sections, the song form will remain A. If the lyrics were taken into consideration, although they would change for each repeat to the entire melody, the form would remain: A repeated. Additonal analysis possibilities may include combinations of both of @Q the above, and the analysis on the previous page. Within limitations, the correct analysis is in the eyes and ears of the beholder! Scansionato con CamScannerSUMMARY OF FORM WITHIN A SONG * The smallest musical unit is the motif. However, motifs may sometimes be subdivided into smaller fragments. = A single phrase may consist of a motif and a repeat of the motif, + A single antecedent phrase and a single consequent phrase make a couplet (a complete phrase). (This is sometimes refered to as a period.) + Most sections of songs consist of two couplets (complete phrases). + Complete songs consist of more then one section (except if the song form is "A") and each section may be different than all the others or may bea repeat of a previous section. ————— Scansionato con CamScanner