Study Guides

Unit Summary

Pupils analyse exemplar compositions to explore advanced compositional techniques including rhythm, texture, timbre and interaction between parts. They develop understanding of how composers create interest, contrast and clarity within ensemble writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to analyse how an electronic composition uses melodic and other devices, and can incorporate some of these into your own composition.

Key Notes

• Composer use different melodic, harmonic and rhythmic devices for specific musical effects.
• Common melodic devices include using sequences, countermelodies and motifs.
• Pedals (a repeated bass note) and inverted pedals (a repeated non-bass note) are effective harmonic devices.
• To develop rhythmic features, we can use devices such as diminution, augmentation, syncopation and polyrhythms.

Vocabulary To Learn

• countermelody: a second melody that plays at the same time as the main melody
• diminution: where the notes in a melody or rhythm are all shortened by the same proportion (e.g. in half)
• sequence: where a melodic idea is repeated, getting higher or lower in pitch each time
• pedal: where the bass note stays the same while the chords change above
• inverted pedal: where a note in a non-bass part stays the same while the chords change around or below it

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• An inverted pedal must be the highest note that is playing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Considering timbre, articulation and dynamics Study Guide
• Creating space for a melody Study Guide
• Interaction between parts Study Guide
• Using rhythmic devices Study Guide