GCSE - Melody

A ___ /____ is the lowest part in the musical texture, which often determines or generates the harmony

Answer explanation

Bass lines are played by the left hand on piano/keyboard or by low pitched instruments such as the bass guitar. A famous example of a bassline is 'Another One Bites The Dust’ by Queen.

When a melody moves in steps up or down a scale it is (two possible answers)

When the notes in a melody line leap and have intervals of over 1 they are ________

A _______ is a flourish for brass instruments (frequently with percussion) for ceremonial or celebratory effect, or simply any short passage for brass in an orchestral work. An example of one can be heard at the start of the Star Wars piece.

A ______ bass is a repeating phrase in the bass (a type of ‘ostinato’), especially in some Baroque pieces, notably by Purcell

The distance between two neighbouring notes or two heard simultaneously is called an ________. Most are stated as ordinal numbers (2nds, 3rds, etc.) with an adjective expressing their major, minor, diminished or augmented character

A _______device is a compositional method applying to a single melodic line to add detail or shape.

If the same pitch is used repeatedly in a melodic part is described as ________

The process of elaborating or decorating a melody is called _____________. Includes conventional ornaments such as trills and turns. It is a type of melodic device

Answer explanation

Imagine a christmas tree being decorated with ornaments to make it look more interesting. A melody too can be ornamented_____________ Ornamentation

A short musical pattern repeated throughout a section or complete piece is called an ________ . It is an example of a melodic or rhythmic device.