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THE SENTENCE

Repetition of the Basic Idea

In most formal contexts, important melodic-motivic material is stated
more than once. When musical ideas are restated immediately (that is,
without any intervening material), then we speak more specifically of a
repetition. The basic idea is thus repeated within the presentation phrase
of the sentence.
We can identify three basic types of repetition: exact, statement-response,
and sequential. This distinction is essentially based on the harmonic context of
the restated units, not on their melodic content.
Exact Repetition
In this type, the underlying harmony of the restatement is essentially the same
as the original (allowing for minor variants). Note that the melody of such an
exact repetition may be varied, even transposed to other scale degrees that are
supportable by the original harmony of the basic idea.
Typical harmonic plans in exact repetition are shown in Figure 2.1.

basic idea

exact repetition

K ____________________________________

K ____________________________________

________________

L _______________

K ________________

L ________________

K __________ L _________ K _________ K ___________ L __________ K ________

FIGURE 2.1

EXAMPLE 2.6

Harmonic patterns for exact repetition

Mozart, Piano Sonata in C, K. 330, i, 14

Example 2.6: the opening 2-m. basic idea, firmly set in tonic harmony, is repeated
in mm. 34 with the same harmonic support. The melodic content of this exact repetition is identical except for the slight rhythmic ornamentation at its beginning.

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