Smaller Segments of Phrases

Question 1

segments of a phrase

Answer 1

• sub-phrase is similar to a phrase but does not end in a cadence
• motive is the smallest segment in a musical piece that is repeated many times
• motive transformation is when a motive changes slightly throughout the musical piece
• • augmentation is when you add to a motive
• • diminution is when you take away from a motive
• extension is when you add extra music between phrases
• fragmentation is the breaking down of a musical phrase
• sentence is a clear classical form of a phrase that is a two measure motive, two measure motive and then a four measure motive

Question 2

a smaller phrase embedded in a larger phrase is called a _______________

Answer 2

• subphrase

Question 3

the smallest unit of musical thought that is usually repeated and/or developed is a ____________

Answer 3

• motive

Question 4

the motive modification technique where composers “flip over” a motive or section of the motive is called _________

Answer 4

• inversion

Question 5

a phrase made of two small sections and one section twice as long as the small sections is called a ________

Answer 5

• sentence