Q. What are some basic ways to develop a motif in composition?

A. Broadly, there are three ways: using smaller note values in your existing motif e.g. crotchets to quavers; adding ornaments/decorations e.g. trills, mordents, grace notes or just extra notes to fill an interval - this adds character and keeps the listener interested; adding more complex rhythmic patterns to the music, but having the melody accented inbetween (also termed 'voice-leading').

ES

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is the idea of the spinning wheel communicated in Schubert's 'Gretchen am Spinnrade'?


What's the difference between a dominant 7th, a diminished 7th and a major 7th chord?


Where do you start with a Bach Chorale harmonisation?


Evaluate Portman’s use of harmony in ‘Six Years Later’ in The Duchess with particular reference to the changing circumstances of the heroin. Relate your discussion to other relevant works. These may include set works, wider listening or other.