Melodic   Devices

Inversion

Intervals of a melody that is turned upside down, that is, it moves in the contrary motion of the original melody.

Repetition

Repeat of a musical phrase. The melody and rhythm must be exactly the same.

Modified Repetition

Repeat of a musical phrase immediately with some modifications.

Sequence

Repetition of a musical phrase at a higher or lower pitch immediately after the original phrase. All the intervals within the phrase must remain the same.

Imitation

A motif or phrase that is presented successively by different voice instruments. It may be exact or less strict in its materials.

Retrograde

Melody that starts with the last note and progresses backwards to end with the first note of the original melody.

Unison

Combined sound of 2 or more notes of the same pitch or octaves apart .

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