1791 / 18210 · Module 30 — Melodic Transformation: Changing the Tune Without Losing It← prev⊞ allnext →
30.1What gives a melody its identity?
Usually some combination of:
- opening motif
- important intervals
- repeated rhythmic pattern
- phrase-ending notes
- highest/lowest notes
- characteristic leap
- cadence
- overall contour
Not every note is equally important.
That is why you can change many notes and still recognize the tune.