Chapter 28: The Development of Musical Ideas
Study Plan
Key Points
- Melodic ideas, or themes, are used as building blocks in a composition; these melodies are made up of short melodic or rhythmic fragments known as motives.
- Themes can be expanded by varying the melody, rhythm, or harmony through thematic development; this usually happens in large-scale works.
- Development and variation are processes found in all styles of music.
- Repeated short patterns, or ostinatos, can also be used to build compositions.
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