Compositional Devices

What is a compositional device?

• A writing technique
• A music tool
• An element used in music composition
• A type of software

What is an ostinato?

• A repeated rhythmic or melodic pattern

• A harmonized melody

• A melody played backwards

• A music composition software

Answer explanation

a continually repeated musical phrase or rhythm.

"the cellos have the tune, above an ostinato bass figure"

Which compositional device has a strict and exact imitation of a melody?

• Canon

• Counterpoint

• Ostinato

• Drone

Answer explanation

canon, musical form and compositional technique, based on the principle of strict imitation, in which an initial melody is imitated at a specified time interval by one or more parts, either at the unison (i.e., the same pitch) or at some other pitch.

What is a drone?

• A continuous note

• A melody played in reverse

• A repeated pattern

• A harmonized melody

Answer explanation

a drone is a harmonic or monophonic effect or accompaniment where a note or chord is continuously sounded throughout most or all of a piece.

What is contrary motion?

• Melodies moving in opposite directions

• Melodies moving in the same direction

• Melodies played backwards

• Melodies played at the same time

Answer explanation

Contrary motion occurs when the two voices/parts move in opposite direction to each other by step or leap

What is parallel motion?

• Melodies moving in the same direction

• Melodies moving in opposite directions

• Melodies played at the same time

• Melodies played backwards

Answer explanation

Parallel motion is a specific type of similar motion and occurs when both voices move in the same direction by the same interval—both up by step, or both down by a third.

What is augmentation?

• Doubling the length of note values

• Halving the length of note values

• Adding more notes to a melody

• Removing notes from a melody

Answer explanation

Augmentation is a compositional device where a melody, theme or motif is presented in longer note-values than were previously used.

What is diminution?

• Halving the length of note values

• Doubling the length of note values

• Removing notes from a melody

• Adding more notes to a melody

Answer explanation

Diminution is the shortening of the time values of the notes of a melody. This technique often brings a heightened sense of “urgency” or “tension” to the music.

What is retrograde?

• A melody played backwards

• A melody played forwards

• A melody played in reverse order

• A melody played in the same order

Answer explanation

A melodic line that is the reverse of a previously or simultaneously stated line

What is inversion?

• A melody turned upside down

• A melody played backwards

• A melody played in reverse order

• A melody played in the same order

Answer explanation

To invert a melody means to change its ascending intervals to descending ones and vice versa