Motivic transformations

Question 1

Transposition

Answer 1

Changing pitches of a phrase, but not altering the relationships between theses pitches (or notes)

Question 2

Sequence

Answer 2

Series of transpositions

Question 3

Imitation

Answer 3

Repetition of a melodic idea, phrase, or motive by a different voice or instrument, often in close succession

Question 4

Intervallic expansion

Answer 4

Distance between 2 notes in a melodic or harmonic line is intentionally widened or lengthened, creating a larger interval than expected; Happens over 3 or more measures

Question 5

Expansion

Answer 5

Distance between 2 or more notes are expanded

Question 6

Contraction

Answer 6

Distance between 2 or more notes are shortened

Question 7

Inversion

Answer 7

Rearrangement of the top-to-bottom

Question 8

Retrograde

Answer 8

When a musical idea, like a melody or a rhythmic pattern, is presented in reverse order

Question 9

Retrograde inversions

Answer 9

Reverses the order of notes in a melodic line + inverts the intervals between them

Question 10

Rhythmic motive

Answer 10

Short, memorable musical idea characterized by its rhythmic pattern, which can be repeated or varied throughout a composition

Question 11

Fragmentation

Answer 11

Breaking down a musical idea (like a theme, motive, or gesture) into smaller segments

Question 12

Addition

Answer 12

Adding more notes to some part of the melody

Question 13

Deletion

Answer 13

Removing some notes from the original melody

Question 14

Augmentation

Answer 14

Lengthening note values or widening intervals in a musical theme or melody

Question 15

Diminution

Answer 15

Shortening the duration of note values in a melody, effectively making it sound faster while maintaining the overall pulse