breaking up a larger metrical pattern into smaller parts
Subdivision
Related Dictionary Terms
Seventh
Shared keywords
a major seventh is a semitone smaller than an octave; a minor seventh is a whole tone smaller than an octave
Basso ostinato
Shared keywords
ground bass, a pattern repeated several times over in the bass line to accompany one or more ever varying upper parts
Homophonic
Shared keywords
a musical composition for 2 or more parts with a single melody line, all other parts serving as accompaniments
Homophony
Shared keywords
a musical composition for 2 or more parts with a single melody line, all other parts serving as accompaniments
Isorhythm
Shared keywords
repeated rhythmic pattern set against a pattern of notes or pitches
Strophe
Shared keyword
Greek
a metrical or musical unit that is repeated in a musical composition
Strophic
Shared keyword
Greek
a metrical or musical unit that is repeated in a musical composition
Superius
Shared keyword
the upper, or higher, voice or melody in a musical composition of two or more parts