What is the term for repeating a melodic pattern at a different pitch, typically a second or third above or below?

What is the term for repeating a melodic pattern at a different pitch, typically a second or third above or below?

• A. sequence
• B. variation
• C. counterpoint
• D. ostinato

Answer: (A)

The term for repeating a melodic pattern at a different pitch, typically a second or third above or below, is known as a sequence. In music, a sequence involves taking a segment of a melody and moving it up or down in pitch, while maintaining the intervallic relationships between the notes. This technique adds variety and complexity to the music, allowing the melodic idea to develop further as it travels across different pitches. In contrast, variation refers to changing a melody in various ways while keeping its original form, often altering elements like rhythm or harmony rather than simply transposing it. Counterpoint is the practice of combining different melodic lines, focusing more on the interaction between these lines rather than repetition of a single melody. An ostinato, on the other hand, is a repeated musical phrase or rhythm, but it does not inherently involve transposing a melodic pattern.

The term for repeating a melodic pattern at a different pitch, typically a second or third above or below, is known as a sequence. In music, a sequence involves taking a segment of a melody and moving it up or down in pitch, while maintaining the intervallic relationships between the notes. This technique adds variety and complexity to the music, allowing the melodic idea to develop further as it travels across different pitches.

In contrast, variation refers to changing a melody in various ways while keeping its original form, often altering elements like rhythm or harmony rather than simply transposing it. Counterpoint is the practice of combining different melodic lines, focusing more on the interaction between these lines rather than repetition of a single melody. An ostinato, on the other hand, is a repeated musical phrase or rhythm, but it does not inherently involve transposing a melodic pattern.