How are melodic sequences used?

Question

I keep hearing about sequences. I know that there's both harmonic and melodic sequences. I am familiar with harmonic sequences I believe they're also called "basso ostinato" where you play a repeating loop in the bass, for example in Canon in D. But what about melodic sequences. What are they usually used for? I'm not sure if they're supposed to loop also I'm not sure how they differ from a motif or just a basic melody.

Answer 1

A large part of composing enjoyable music is building up expectations in the listener and then taking them by surprise, no matter how subtly. Without enough repetition, there would be no expectations in the first place. A common way composers achieve this by having one element of the music change while others remain identical. Melodic sequences are effective because they give the listener something to grasp on to while also being able to undergo limitless permutations.

It can be very powerful to take the shape of your short melodic phrase and repeat it in different places across the scale. You can also leave it in place and change the underlying harmony instead. It is basically something the listener can grab on to that can tie the rest of the music together.

Answer 2

Hello, Angel - A basso ostinato is a melody in the bass which is repeated a number of times while music above may be thought of as a series of variations which all work with that same bass part (ostinato).

An ostinato may occur in any part and simply means a repeated melody.

A melodic sequence is different. It can as little as two notes or it can be longer. If take two notes, say C up to G and then follow it with D up to A you have a melodic sequence. If you a melodic figure of C,D,F, followed by D.E.G, followed by E,F.A you have a three note melodic sequence which is implemented three times - each time up a major second.. So, a melodic sequence is a (usually short) melodic phrase which is then repeated at different pitch levels. The rhythms or often the same in the segments of a sequence but sometimes may vary.

Melodic sequences can be used anywhere a composer chooses. They provide a sense of logic and continuity the the music and often occur as a natural part of the flow of creating a melody. If over used they can cause the music to be predictable and obvious.

I hope this is helpful. You ask a follow up question if you like.

Stephen