1. Chapter 3 The Structures of Music
Melody

2. Key Terms Melody Tune Motive Theme Phrases Balance Parallelism
Contrast
Sequence
Climax
Cadence
Form

3. Melody
Often the primary bearer of musical meaning and interest; the structure most likely to move the listener
An organized series of pitches
Usually coherent, makes musical sense
In succession, one note at a time (you can sing it!)
A structure that combines pitch and rhythm

4. Tune A special kind of melody Simple Easy to sing Often catchy
Familiar
May be a folk song, dance, pop song, patriotic song, or a Christmas carol

5. Characteristics of Tunes
Divides into phrases
Phrases often correspond to lines in the text
Phrases are often 2, 4, or 8 measures long, about as long as you can comfortably sing without breathing
Breaks between phrases give you a chance to breathe

6. Characteristics of Tunes
Balance between phrases
Phrases are often all the same length
In the blues all phrases are four bars long
Due to “normal” phrase length, occasional longer or shorter phrases feel different
“Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave”
Creates a sense of proportion

7. Characteristics of Tunes
Parallelism
Repetition of phrases; strengthens sense of balance, unity
Can be exact repetition
Of Phrase 1: “Whose broad stripes and bright stars”
Or partial repetition
Of Phrase 2: “That our flag was still there”
Or repeat only the rhythm
Compare Phrase 2 with Phrase 1
Or use a sequence, repeating patterns at higher or lower pitch levels
“rockets’ red glare” and “bursting in air”

8. Characteristics of Tunes
Contrast
Parallelism creates a sense of logic and coherence: everything fits together
Contrast provides variety and interest, avoids monotony
Contrasting phrases may be higher or lower, shorter or longer, and use different rhythms or melodic shapes
Tunes use both parallel and contrasting phrases

9. Characteristics of Tunes
Climax
Good tunes have form, a strong sense of shape and direction
A clear, purposeful beginning
A feeling of action in the middle
A distinct high point, or climax
A sense of winding down at the end
Tune builds toward climax, then relaxes
Often an emotional high point
“O’er the land of the free”

10. Characteristics of Tunes
Cadence (not the kind a drum line plays)
Stopping, pausing, or breathing places
Used to end phrases, sections, and entire pieces
Many shades of finality are desirable
Can be strong, with great finality
Useful to end sections and pieces; full stop
“And the home of the brave”
Or weak and less conclusive
Useful for internal cadences; needs to go on
“That our flag was still there”

11. Motives and Themes Motive Short, distinctive fragment of melody
Can be as short as two notes
Used to construct tunes, melodies, or themes
Can be repeated, transposed, reversed, turned upside down, or fragmented
Rhythmic motive—when only the rhythm is repeated

12. Motives and Themes Themes
The basic subject matter for a piece of music
Almost anything can be used as a theme, but it’s usually a melody
Can be a phrase, a motive, a tune, or a long melody

13. Melody Listening Things to listen for: Phrases and cadences
Repetition and contrast
Motives and sequence
Balance, shape, and climax
Is it a tune?
Melodic character and emotional quality