Untitled score

a texture involving more than one equally important melodic line

when a short part of a melody is copied (or 'imitated') in another part

where two or more instruments or groups have dialogue (similar to call and response)

where a second part plays a melody in unison with another part

where a second part plays the main melody with different notes, creating harmony

Listen to this piano trio

British English CC

Which instrument is playing the accompaniment here?

When we first hear the melody it is played by the violin

When it develops later on, the composer doubles sections of the melody

The piano also doubles melodies by playing them in octaves

In this example, the cello plays the main melody

the violin takes over from the piano, harmonising the cello melody

Listen to this example. Can you identify which instrument is imitated here?

Can you spot which two parts are interacting using imitation in this example?

Polyphonic texture

Can you identify the section of antiphony in this clip?

Task A audio

Interaction between parts

Music

Using rhythmic devices

Using melodic and other devices

Considering timbre, articulation and dynamics

Creating space for a melody

Pupils analyse exemplar compositions to explore advanced compositional techniques including rhythm, texture, timbre and interaction between parts. They develop understanding of how composers create interest, contrast and clarity within ensemble writing.

Composition exemplars: advanced techniques

a texture where different musical lines use the same rhythm

a texture where there is only one line of music

What is the term for two or more notes sounding together?

When multiple performers play or sing exactly the same melody at the same pitch, they are playing or singing in {{}}.

Which combination of instruments is typical of a piano trio in the Romantic period?

Starter Quiz

Match each texture to its description