Musical questions and answers

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Musical questions and answers

Another way of developing melody is to create musical statements that suggest an answer. The melody for Exile was constructed this way.

• Take a look at the beginning of the flute part in Exile (exile/exile).

The opening phrase ( marked red) poses a kind of musical question that begs an answer. We'll call it Q1. The answer follows in the next phrase (marked blue). We'll call it A1. Although different to Q1 note how it rises higher in response the last five notes are a recall of the last five notes of Q1. Already we have repetition with a slight variation (Figure 6.3).

Figure 6.3. Exile

The next phrase (again in red), call it Q2, follows the same rhythmic pattern as Q1 but the notes are completely different. That air of expectancy has been fulfilled and a new question asked. A2, the next phrase (in blue), again answers the question and is a varied repetition of A1.

All this often comes naturally, without thinking. We have merely analyzed it. However, if you're stuck for ideas, this is a surefire method of keeping things moving. There are so many ways to achieve this onward flow that a whole book is needed on the subject. You can though, learn a great deal by taking time to listen and analyze other melodies in this way. Reading music, although helpful, is not always necessary.

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