Sequence: repeating a figure at a new level

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Motives and phrases

A sequence repeats a short figure at a different pitch level. A tonal sequence may adapt intervals to the key, whereas a real sequence preserves them more strictly. Harmonic function can change during repetition.

Write a figure and start it again from the next scale degree. Observe how whole and half steps change while the contour remains. Lead the sequence toward a cadence or a new idea rather than extending it indefinitely.

Example

C–D–E followed by D–E–F can form a tonal sequence.

Try it

Starting C–D–E on D within C major, what is the third note?

Related topics

References

Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Subject-expert review pending.