Phrase Relationship

A phrase is a substantial musical thought, which ends with a musical punctuation called a cadence.
Phrases are created in music through an interaction of melody, harmony, and rhythm. In music, there is
what we call a "question and answer" relationship. For example, when we have a phrase that ends in an
inconclusive ending, its sounds like it’s asking a question demanding more music to complete the
thought. As in the case of a perfect cadence, the answer usually resolves to the tonic chord I. However
not all musical phrases ends in the same tonic chord as in the case of interrupted cadences and
imperfect cadences. But this simplifies the explanation of what a phrase relationship is.

Key Schemes

In music theory, the key of a piece is the group of pitches, or scale that forms the basis of a music
composition in classical, Western art, and Western pop music. Key schemes refer to the chord
progression or harmonic progression of the musical piece under a given key signature. Related keys are
also part of the key scheme. Large-scale forms in tonal music are based on arrangements of related
keys.

Compositional Techniques/Devices

 Phrases - A phrase is to music what a sentence or clause is to writing. A phrase is a substantial

musical thought, which ends with a musical punctuation called a cadence.
 Motifs - A motif is an easily recognizable, short musical idea, which is used as a seed to grow
new music from. Repeated use of a motif throughout a composition helps to glue it together as
a unified piece of music.
 Melodic Sequences - A melodic sequence is section of music which is repeated at a different
pitch.
 Imitation - Imitation happens when a section of music is repeated in a different part, or
instrument, or pitch, straight away like a kind of echo. In keyboard music, imitation could occur
between the right and left hand staves, or even on a single stave which has been divided into a
higher and lower part.
 Parts Cross - The phrase “parts cross” means that between two parts, the higher one moves
downward in pitch so far, that it becomes the lower one.
 Pedal - A pedal is a repeated note, (usually the tonic or dominant in the prevailing key) which is
either repeated or sustained (held for some time), while the harmony changes above it. It gets
its name from the foot pedal on the organ, which can sustain a note easily while the players’
hands change the harmony.
4 Main Types of Cadence

In Western musical theory, a cadence a melodic or harmonic configuration that creates a sense of
resolution. A harmonic cadence is a progression of (at least) two chords that concludes a phrase,
section, or piece of music. The four main types of cadences are:

 Perfect Cadence - This goes from chord V to chord I (this is written V-I). It is the cadence that
sounds the “most finished”.
 Imperfect Cadence or Half Cadence - A half cadence/imperfect cadence ends on chord V. It can
start on chord I, II or IV.
 Plagal Cadence - A Plagal Cadence goes from chord IV to chord I (IV-I). It is sometimes called the
“Amen Cadence” because the word “Amen” is set to it at the end of many traditional hymns.
 Deceptive Cadence or Interrupted Cadence - An interrupted cadence ends on an unexpected
chord – the music literally does sound like it has been “interrupted”. The most common chord
progression you will come across is from chord V to chord VI (V-VI).
 Comprehensive Exam for Music 145
Master of Music major in Music Education

Examinee:
Nikko Paolo G. Rodriguez

Instructor:
Asst. Prof. Mark Ian Caballes