themes, contrasting

The Theme. The theme is the first main melody that you hear. It is the melody that the rest of the music will be based on. Sometimes the theme does not start immediately at the beginning of the piece but is preceded by an introduction.

Some examples of contrast use within arrangements could be:

• Different intensity between sections, either in volume or density.
• Different tones, emotions.
• Changes in the time signature, or rhythm.
• Changes in how sounds move, appear, or evolve.

Repetition and contrast also help the listener perceive musical form. The repetition of a phrase reinforces the melody and makes the listener more acquainted with it; then a new, different phrase is introduced (the contrast).

"Theme and variation" is a popular musical form in which a composer states a melody and then repeats it several times with changes to create more interest and variety. Some famous examples of this form are Charles Ives' "Variations on America" and Mozart's "Twelve Variations on Vous dirai-je, Maman" K.

Musical themes can make an audience feel as though they're in the past, or far in the future. Music can convey feelings, even the deepest and most difficult to explain emotions can be understood by an audience in less than a minute with the proper musical theme.

Defining a Theme The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea. ' In other words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem?

A counterpoint is something that contrasts, and to counterpoint is to provide a contrast. In music, counterpoint is when two separate melodies are played or sung at the same time.

Example of 'Contrast' in a Sentence

• The contrast is still greater when you return from France.
• They made a ridiculous contrast.
• A wig, worn for the sake of a piquant contrast on the stage.
• His heartiness was in strong contrast to the lad's wan looks.
• The contrast did them good.
• Only contrast was possible there.

The purpose of contrast is to emphasize or exaggerate intended meaning. This is done to make meaning clearer or more effective. For example, "Her car crossed the bridge out of the city and towards the solace of the countryside" is more effective than, "Her car crossed the bridge, moving away from the busy city."

In writing, the purpose of comparing and contrasting is to highlight subtle but important differences or similarities that might not be immediately obvious. By illustrating the differences between elements in a similar category, you help heighten readers' understanding of the subject or topic of discussion.

Theme and Variations as a Songwriting Technique

1. First, play and record your original melody with the chords you first thought of.
2. Sing your melody again, but improvise on the melodic shapes.
3. Sing your original melody, but come up with a different chord progression.
4. Sing your original melody to a new time signature.

Once the theme has been played the composer then repeats it, but varies it in some way. This is called Variation 1. Once Variation 1 has been played, the composer repeats the theme again, this time varying it in a different way, thus producing Variation 2.