Compositional Devices

Question 1

Motif

Answer 1

A short theme that can be manipulated using other devices

Question 2

Repetition

Answer 2

Where a phrase is repeated exactly

Question 3

Transposition

Answer 3

The rewriting of the ex tempore performance of a composition at another pitch ie in another key

Question 4

Sequence

Answer 4

Repetition of a musical phrase at a higher or lower pitch

Question 5

Variation

Answer 5

Repetition with changes

Question 6

Development

Answer 6

Changes/variations of a motif and themes

Question 7

Augmentation

Answer 7

Repetition of a musical idea using longer note values. Sounds similar but slower

Question 8

Diminution

Answer 8

Repetition of a musical idea using shorter note values (sounds similar but slower)

Question 9

Fragmentation

Answer 9

Breaking a theme into little bits in order to develop it

Question 10

Extension

Answer 10

Developing a phrase or motif by making it longer

Question 11

Inversion

Answer 11

Turning melody/rhythm/harmony/phrase/theme/motif upside down (reverse the order)

Question 12

Retrograde

Answer 12

The musical idea played backwards

Question 13

Call and response

Answer 13

Where one voice initiates a musical idea and another follows in a similar/ slightly varied way melodically/rhythmically

Question 14

Contrary motion

Answer 14

Melody notes/going in the opposite direction

Question 15

Similar motion

Answer 15

Melody/ notes going in the same direction

Question 16

Imitation

Answer 16

Repetition/copying of a musical idea by another instrumental/vocal part

Question 17

Canon

Answer 17

When one or more voices imitate a leading musical idea EXACTLY. The two or more parts will overlap

Question 18

Cross rhythm/ Polyrhythm

Answer 18

Two different rhythms used at the same time eg 2 quavers in the bass and triplet quavers used in the melody

Question 19

Countermelody

Answer 19

A second melody directly above or below the main melody

Question 20

Ostinato

Answer 20

A repeated accompaniment pattern that ca be rhytmic or melodic maintained throughout the section or piece

Question 21

Riff

Answer 21

Jazz/ Rock equivalent of an ostinato

Question 22

Pedal Point

Answer 22

A sustained tone in one or more parts (during which at least one foreign ei dissonant harmony is sounded in the other parts)

Question 23

Modulation

Answer 23

Changing keys within a piece of music