Year 9 Arrangement – Harmonic & Melodic Variation

Year 9 Arrangement – Harmonic & Melodic Variation

Reference- In Tune with Music Book 2, Harmonic Variation p 233, Melodic Variation p 242.

Harmonic Variation

·        Change the harmonic rhythm; have more or fewer chord changes in a bar.

·        Use extended versions of the original chords.

Eg 6^th, 7^th, 11^th & 13^th chords

·        Use completely different chords from the original.

Activity

In groups 2, work out as many harmonic possibilities for the melody provided. Use the basic chord structure as a guide.

Typical Chord Substitutions and suggestions

·        Chord ii (or chord vi) can often replace chord IV.

·        Chord iii can often replace chord I when moving to chord IV.

·        Chromatic chords can be brought in for added colour.

·        Augmented chords are often used between chords a 4^th apart.

·        When harmonies are repeated in a bar it is often useful to change the harmonic colour of the repeated chord for variety.

As a class these chords will then be used to create a new harmonic arrangement on the board.   

Melodic Variation

Rhythm

Anticipation – Where the note is heard before it would normally be heard.

Delay- Where the note is heard after it would normally be heard.

Augmentation-Where the original note lengths are lengthened.

Diminution- Where the original note values are shortened

Pitch

Repetition of notes in the melody

Addition of chordal notes – short notes added to the melody which outline the harmony.

Passing notes – Notes moving by step between leaps in the melody.

Activity

Using the handout provided modify the melody using;

Anticipation [In Bar 1-3] – Where the note is heard before it would normally be heard.

Delay [In Bar 4-6] - Where the note is heard after it would normally be heard.

Augmentation [In Bar 7-9] -Where the original note lengths are lengthened.

Diminution [In Bar 10 & 11] - Where the original note values are shortened.

On the bottom stave of the handout rearrange the melody using;

·        Repetition of notes in the melody

&

·        Addition of chordal notes – short notes added to the melody which outline the harmony.

Extension

Call & response

Where one voice initiate an idea and another follows in a similar or slightly varied way melodically/rhythmically

Countermelody

A second melody (directly) above or below the main melody

Cross rhythm/ polyrhythm

Two different rhythms used at the same time, eg 2 quavers in the melody and triplet quavers in the bass

Imitation

Repetition by one or more different voices/instruments of a phrase

Sequence

Repetition of a musical phrase at a higher or lower pitch

Ostinato

A repeated accompaniment pattern that can be rhythmic or melodic, maintained throughout the section/piece

Riff

Jazz/rock equivalent of ostinato