Glossary
Ascending Sequence
A type of melodic sequence where each repetition of the pattern is transposed to a higher pitch level.
Example:
A composer might use an ascending sequence to build excitement towards a climax.
Chromatic Sequence
A melodic sequence where the pattern is repeated with exact interval qualities maintained for each iteration, often requiring accidentals and potentially leading to modulation.
Example:
To maintain a perfect fifth interval in every repetition, a composer would use a chromatic sequence, introducing notes outside the original key.
Descending Sequence
A type of melodic sequence where each repetition of the pattern is transposed to a lower pitch level.
Example:
A mournful cello line might feature a descending sequence to convey sadness.
Diatonic Sequence
A melodic sequence where the pattern is repeated using only notes from the prevailing key, allowing interval qualities to change to fit the scale.
Example:
A melody in C major repeating a major second up might become a minor second up in a diatonic sequence if it lands on E to F.
Inversion Sequence
A type of melodic sequence where the original pattern is repeated with its intervals inverted (e.g., an ascending third becomes a descending third), often used to prolong the tonic area.
Example:
If a pattern goes up a third then down a second, an inversion sequence would go down a third then up a second.
Level of Transposition
The specific interval (e.g., a step, a third) by which a melodic pattern is shifted up or down for each repetition in a sequence.
Example:
If a pattern is repeated a major second higher each time, the level of transposition is a major second.
Melodic Sequence
A musical idea or pattern that is repeated immediately at a different pitch level, either higher or lower.
Example:
The opening of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' uses a melodic sequence where the first two notes are repeated a step lower.
Modulation
The process of changing from one musical key to another, often facilitated by chromatic sequences that introduce notes from the new key.
Example:
A sudden shift from C major to G major in a piece demonstrates modulation to a new key.
Pattern
The original melodic and rhythmic unit that is repeated at different pitch levels to form a sequence.
Example:
In a sequence, the initial two-note ascending figure is the pattern that gets transposed.
Prolonging the Tonic Area
The use of musical elements, such as diatonic sequences, to extend or reinforce the perception of the tonic key as the stable harmonic center.
Example:
A simple melody repeating a pattern within the C major scale helps in prolonging the tonic area of C major.