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Posted by Joshua
on 1/2/2005, 5:14 am
205.188.116.130
Theme can be used in a piece, whether as a basis or beginning phrase, to begin a musical work. Variations of the theme throughout the piece can be used offering contrast to the musical idea or “phrase”. A theme can be viewed as the main idea, or such as an opening paragraph in an essay, it could say a lot about he characteristics a given piece.
The idea of the motif is to play a repeated pattern of notes, for movement in the music that will keep the motif intact but varied for stylistic reasons may be applied. Another form of written melody is thorough-composed—where the melody stems out with its own sense, in a non-repetitive fashion.
There are several ways to offer variables to a motif, which can act as a unifying idea to a piece. One is the sequence—the motif played at another pitch level; this would offer the same phrase with all notes being the same intervals apart, however played in another pitch.
Another way to play a motif is it’s inversion—to play it in reverse order. Further options include a change of register—playing the melody at another octave, or even embellishment—adding additional notes to preexistent. The opposite of embellishment may be true offering a different pace by excluding certain pitches. Alterations in tonality, dynamics, rhythm, and tempo all apply.
It may be welcome to think of music in terms of unity and variety. A motif is an example of a way to add unity to a piece, and there are different ways to vary a motif, however the need to make a new statement may arise, so as not to tire the listeners ears. A new phrase can be used at this point to add upon the musical idea. It may be important to emphasize relevance. Although a piece can be written throughout with the use of a motif the need for a contrasting statement may arise—a new phrase carrying some meaning with it towards the original, or preceding phrase. Note. Unity may also be centered on tonality, or the keynote in a piece.
This idea can be taken in the context of a conversation, and someone bring forth a new idea, usually with some relevance to what was spoken before, so it is important to consider balance within given statements. Although a new phrase can be different in tonality or key, rhythmical structure, and melodic contour of the notes it should make musical sense or should having meaning towards the previous statement.
Adding further is the idea of the complete structure of a piece, although may contain many inter complexities a piece can be formed with the idea of theme and variance.
One form commonly used in structuring a piece, AB form, is this. Offering an arrangement of measures combined with a unifying musical idea is then contrasted with further measures enough so as to include it as a new section, part, or movement, somehow different but still related to the beginning score. In this form the beginning section being A, and end of song being at the closure of B.
This idea could be further taken with the return of the original statement, a reprise of beginning statement or material at the end of a piece known as ABA form. It is interesting to note that composers can also vary the returned material in ways possible to offer a different aspect, or structural matter to the piece.
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