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Old Sep 5 2007, 2:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Saiming View Post
Hm, well the usage of time, how fast or slow a motif is played as well as note length, pauses, note intervals.
so can we distill this down to:

rhythm
  • tempo
  • note lengths
  • specific rhythmic units
  • rests
  • repetition?

sound relationships
  • interval relationships
  • dynamics?
  • timbre?

We could also add "proportion" and "architecture".

So to construct thematic material we have a lot of building blocks from which to work.

OK, so now on to something very simple, in C major.
Using simple chords in C major, constuct a melody (don't waste too much time constucting a beautiful accompaniment, just go with simple block chords in the left hand) for piano/keyboard.

Consider the repetition of your basic thematic material as a starting point.

If you start with a 4-note motif, examine HOW you might alter that motif to repeat it a second time.
Does it have a unique interval?
Or a rhythm?
Can you invert the motif to create "new" material?

I want you to create a "high point" in the phrase.

How do you bring about this high point?
  • rhythmic alteration
  • bringing the music to a pause
  • bringing the music to a suspensive point
  • dramatic textual repetition of an initial motif
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