2012 Q.1
This is by no means the perfect melody, but there are useful things to observe and learn from.
i) It's in G minor. Note the F# s all rise to G, and the use of the melodic minor scale, descending in the 3rd phrase and ascending in the last phrase. If in doubt leave it out (accidentals).
ii) The structure is a clear AABA. Most students seem reluctant to have repetition, but its a must. What does AA mean?
iii) The "new idea" in bar 7 is very important. Firstly it should sound like it grows out of the given material (marking scheme) and it gives us our contrast to use in the 3rd phrase (inverted here). DONT START THE B PHRASE THE SAME AS THE A PHRASES.
iv) The low point is at the end of bar 12 and the climax is at the end of bar 16. (marking scheme)
v) Note the given phrase ends on a quaver but I felt this would sound wrong at the end of every phrase, so I ended the 2nd and 4th phrase differently. I think this is because the F# at the end of bar 4 sounds like it leads on to the next phrase like an up-beat.
Performance directions need to be added.
This is by no means the perfect melody, but there are useful things to observe and learn from.
i) It's in G minor. Note the F# s all rise to G, and the use of the melodic minor scale, descending in the 3rd phrase and ascending in the last phrase. If in doubt leave it out (accidentals).
ii) The structure is a clear AABA. Most students seem reluctant to have repetition, but its a must. What does AA mean?
iii) The "new idea" in bar 7 is very important. Firstly it should sound like it grows out of the given material (marking scheme) and it gives us our contrast to use in the 3rd phrase (inverted here). DONT START THE B PHRASE THE SAME AS THE A PHRASES.
iv) The low point is at the end of bar 12 and the climax is at the end of bar 16. (marking scheme)
v) Note the given phrase ends on a quaver but I felt this would sound wrong at the end of every phrase, so I ended the 2nd and 4th phrase differently. I think this is because the F# at the end of bar 4 sounds like it leads on to the next phrase like an up-beat.
Performance directions need to be added.
This is the same melody treated differently. Firstly it's ABCA without the "pre programmed" sequence in the 3rd phrase. There is a slight sequential idea at the start of the 2nd phrase. The 2nd phrase is B because it's different to the first. It uses 2 different rhythmic ideas but does feature 4ths which may be seen as growing out of the 1st phrase and it ends on a semi climax (high point). These new ideas are developed in the 3rd (contrasting, hence C) phrase, ending on a low point. It's very important to finish this melody with a repeat of A, developed as above, as it ties the melody together.