Here are terms that we use concerning melody:
Melody – a rhythmic succession of pitches
Phrase – a melodic unit similar to a phrase or clause in a sentence
Theme – an idea made up of several phrases put together
Cadence – a resting place in music. Cadences are either strong or weak.
Half step – two notes side by side with no note between them
Whole step – two notes with one note in between the two notes
Major Scale – a series of pitches ascending and descending made up of whole and half steps. It follows the following pattern: w w h w w w h
Minor Scale – a series of pitches ascending and descending made up of whole and half steps. It follows the following pattern: w h w w h w w
Scherzo – a lively humorous composition usually written for an orchestra
(The last term is used in the 8th grade class with composer Anton Bruckner.)
12/11/2002