Creating contrasting sections
I can analyse how a composition creates contrast between sections, and can apply these principles to my own composition.
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- Year 11
- AQA
Creating contrasting sections
I can analyse how a composition creates contrast between sections, and can apply these principles to my own composition.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Creating contrast between sections is key to creating an effective composition.
- Typical methods include using contrasting harmony, melodic shapes, rhythm, textures and timbre.
- It is important to keep some aspects consistent between sections to maintain the coherence of the composition.
- These often include using a consistent key, tempo, metre, instrumentation and melodic and rhythmic elements.
Keywords
Harmony - the way that notes combine to create chords and the way that these chords are used
Melodic shape - the overall shape of a melody, including where it ascends or descends and whether it is conjunct or disjunct
Timbre - the specific quality of a sound (e.g. shrill, mellow); this is often used to refer to instrument choice as well
Common misconception
Contrasting sections should sound completely different from each other.
They should contrast, but they don't need to contrast in every way. Keeping some aspects consistent helps to maintain a sense of unity and coherence.
File needed for this lesson
- Pop ballad complete 5.6 MB (MP3)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Equipment
DAW, notation software or instrument suitable as a composition tool
Licence
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