Melody

Listen Again

Listen again to the piece you encountered in the Initial Listening. From the vantage point of having gone through this lesson on melody, consider the following questions one more time.

This time around, is it easier to...

Giuseppe Verdi

(1813-1901)

Identify the different melodies in the piece.
Recognize if a melody is repeated within the piece.
Describe the shape of each melody as it appears in the piece.
Perceive the direction in which the melodies move.
Distinguish the main melodic material from the one that is used in transitions with the piece.

Composer: Giuseppe Verdi

"Aida: Act II: Triumphal March"

Finding the Melody in Today's Music

Select a favorite recording and listen to it focusing your attention on melody.

Is there one main melody, or are there several?
Is melodic material repeated within the piece?
Does the melody cover a wide range, or does it stay within a narrow range?
Does it move mostly upward or downward?
Are there sections with repeated pitches?
Is new or existing melodic material used in the introduction, ending, and transitions?