7.2 Melodic Contour and Development

Melodic contour and development are key elements in shaping a piece's emotional impact. From arch melodies to ascending and descending patterns, composers use various shapes to create tension, excitement, or resolution. These contours are influenced by interval choices, rhythmic patterns, and strategic climax placement.

Composers employ diverse techniques to develop melodies, including repetition, variation, and sequencing. By balancing step progressions with leaps and carefully crafting intervallic relationships, they create engaging melodic arcs. These methods work together to establish motifs, maintain listener interest, and convey the piece's overall narrative.

Melodic Contour Types

Types of Melodic Shapes

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• Melodic contour describes the overall shape or direction of a melody, which can be represented visually by drawing a line that follows the melody's pitch changes over time
• Arch melody has a shape that rises and falls symmetrically, often used in classical and romantic period music (Mozart's Symphony No. 40)
• Ascending melody starts low and gradually rises in pitch throughout, creating a sense of building tension or excitement (Beethoven's "Ode to Joy")
• Descending melody begins high and falls in pitch over time, often conveying a sense of resolution or relaxation (Beatles' "Yesterday")
• Wave contour alternates between rising and falling pitches, creating a sense of undulation or ebb and flow in the melody (Debussy's "Clair de Lune")

Factors Influencing Melodic Contour

• The size and direction of melodic intervals between successive notes play a significant role in shaping the overall contour of a melody
• Rhythmic patterns and durations of notes also contribute to the perceived shape and flow of a melodic line
• The placement of melodic climaxes, or the highest pitches in a phrase, can emphasize certain points and affect the overall contour (Puccini's "Nessun Dorma")
• Lyrics and text setting in vocal music can influence the contour of a melody, as composers often aim to mirror the natural inflections and emotions of the words

Melodic Intervals

Step Progression and Leaps

• Step progression, also known as conjunct motion, occurs when a melody moves between adjacent notes on the scale, creating a smooth and connected sound (C to D, E to F)
• Leap, or disjunct motion, happens when a melody jumps between notes that are not adjacent on the scale, often by an interval of a third or larger (C to E, G to C)
• Composers often use a combination of steps and leaps to create variety and interest in a melody, balancing smooth motion with larger, more dramatic intervallic changes

Intervallic Relationships in Melodies

• The specific intervals used in a melody can contribute to its overall character and emotional impact
• Smaller intervals, such as seconds and thirds, tend to create a sense of stability and smoothness, while larger intervals like sixths and sevenths can add tension or excitement (Brahms' "Lullaby" vs. Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue")
• Composers may use specific intervallic patterns or motifs throughout a piece to create unity and coherence in the melodic material (Bach's "Prelude in C Major" from The Well-Tempered Clavier)

Melodic Development Techniques

Repetition and Variation

• Sequence involves repeating a melodic pattern at a higher or lower pitch level, often used to create a sense of progression or development (Pachelbel's "Canon in D")
• Repetition of melodic ideas, either exact or with slight modifications, helps to establish motifs and create a sense of familiarity for the listener (Beethoven's "Fifth Symphony")
• Variation techniques involve altering aspects of a melody, such as rhythm, intervals, or ornamentation, while retaining its essential character (Mozart's "Twelve Variations on 'Ah vous dirai-je, Maman'")

Climax and Melodic Arc

• Climax refers to the emotional or dynamic high point of a melodic phrase or section, often achieved through the use of the highest pitch, longest duration, or strongest dynamic (Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2")
• The overall arc of a melody, from its initial presentation through its development and eventual resolution, plays a crucial role in creating a sense of narrative or emotional journey for the listener
• Composers often use a combination of repetition, variation, and strategic placement of climaxes to shape the melodic arc and maintain interest throughout a piece (Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet Overture")