Conclusion
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When it comes to arranging a melody less is more. A few subtle change is often more impactful than many drastic changes. Remember the key traits of a melody:
- Notes
- Rhythm
- Key
- Contour
Each of these characteristics can be altered to create variation and excitement in a piece and to give the impression of development.
Composition Assignment
Pick a melody, any melody, and write four variations. These variations can use any of the melodic transformations we discussed in this lesson. Here’s an example using a melody from Carmen by Georges Bizet premiered in 1875.