Interaction between parts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how a piano trio uses complex textures to develop ideas and create variety, and I can incorporate some of those into my own composition.
Key learning points
- Considering the interaction between parts is an important part of composing.
- In the Romantic piano trio, the composer shared both the melody and accompaniment between the three instruments.
- They also used polyphony, antiphony, imitation, doubling and harmonisation to create a varied composition.
- Every style has idiomatic techniques for creating interaction between parts.
Keywords
Polyphony - a texture involving more than one equally important melodic line
Imitation - when a short part of a melody is copied (or 'imitated') in another part
Antiphony - where two or more instruments or groups have dialogue (similar to call and response)
Doubling - where a second part plays a melody in unison with another part
Harmonisation - where a second part plays the main melody with different notes, creating harmony
Common misconception
In a piano trio, the piano plays the accompanying chords, the cello plays the bass line and violin plays the melody.
The three instruments serve varied roles in a piano trio. Many composers share the melody and the accompaniment between all three, and have them interact in different ways. It is a versatile ensemble, with lots of potential for interesting textures.
Teacher tip
This composition also serves as a starting point for exploring: composing for piano trio or chamber ensemble; using sonata form; chromatic harmony; idiomatic Romantic melody and harmony; piano composition; dynamics and articulation; accompaniment patterns (e.g. broken chords); compound time
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - piano trio (audio) 6.47 MB (MP3)
Composition exemplar - piano trio (full score) 207.23 KB (PDF)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match each texture to its description
Q2.What is the term for two or more notes sounding together?
Q3.When multiple performers play or sing exactly the same melody at the same pitch, they are playing or singing in .
Q4.Which combination of instruments is typical of a piano trio in the Romantic period?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Interaction between parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Interaction between parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the Composition exemplars: advanced techniques unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.