MusicianCV · TRMelodic contour and climax
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Motives and phrases
Melodic contour describes the overall pattern of rising, falling and repeated pitches. A melody can remain recognizable through that shape. Its highest note may be a climax, but duration, harmony and accent also contribute.
Draw the phrase as a line and mark its resting points. Try balancing a large leap with stepwise motion. Consider the phrase’s larger direction and the instrument’s comfortable register instead of always ending at the same height.
Example
C–E–G–F–D rises and then falls.
Melodic contour and climaxC E G F D → ▁ ▃ ▇ ▅ ▂
Try it
How would you describe C–D–E–D–C?
Answer
A stepwise arch returning to its starting point.Related topics
Motive: a small musical identity · Musical phrase and breathingReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.