6.3 Melodic Analysis

Phrases

A phrase is a complete musical thought ending in a cadence. Two phrases often form a period: an antecedent (question, ending on a weak cadence like a HC) and a consequent (answer, ending PAC).

Motives

A motive is a short, memorable musical idea that recurs and develops. Composers vary motives through repetition, sequence, inversion, and augmentation.

Melodic contour

Contour is the shape of a melody's rise and fall. Analyzing a melody means noting its phrases, cadences, motives, contour, and how non-chord tones decorate the underlying harmony.

Key terms

Phrase

a complete musical thought ending in a cadence

Period

antecedent (question) + consequent (answer)

Motive

a short, recurring, developed idea

Antecedent/consequent

weak cadence (HC) / strong cadence (PAC)

Contour

the shape of a melody's rise and fall

Try an AP-style question

Conjunct motion in a melody means…

1. repeated notes only
2. movement by step
3. chromatic slides only
4. movement by leap