by
Danlee Mitchell and
Jack Logan, Ph.D.
Repetition,
variation and contrast may be seen in
basic patterns. These patterns have been found to be effective at all
levels of music structure, whether it be shorter melodic motives or extended
musical compositions. These basic patterns of repetition, variation and
contrast may be found not only in all world musics, but also in the other
arts and in the basic patterns of nature.
Basic patterns of repetition, variation, and contrast:
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These six basic patterns
of repetition, variation, and contrast form the basis for the structural
design of melodic material, the accompaniment to melodic material, and
the structural relationships of phrases and sections of music. When these
basic patterns are reflected in the larger sectional structure of complete
works of music, this level of musical structure defines the larger sectional
patterns of music.
The conceptualization
and fashioning (planning, design, implementation) of a piece of music
begins with the organization of the "Eight Basic Elements of Music" by
the "Three Foundational Procedures". A music "idea" is conceived and extended
by the materials and processes of these two "levels" of conceptualization.
There is a third and higher level of conceptualization wherein other components
are fashioned by the composer. This third level is referred to here as
the Four Combinational Operations of Music and it is at this level of
thinking that the composer fashions certain overall structural relationships
of a work of music.