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Discussion 8b - The Phrase, Sub-phrase, and Motive

Class Discussion

Identifying Phrases

  • Look for rests
  • Listen for a clear beginning, middle, and end.
  • Look for cadential chords; I, V, and vi. A cadence is like the period at the end of a sentence.
  • Look for structure. Sometimes, phrases stay the same length, and this can make it a lot easier to separate the different phrases.