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

Class Discussion

Often, phrases will end with a cadence. Cadences give balance ans structure to a piece of music.

Things to look for when considering what might be a phrase:

• Cadences/resolutions

• Rests after a melody line

• Going into a different key/modulation

• Contour of the melody

Motives

• A motive is the smallest identifiable fragment of music.

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.