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“The Same But Different” For composition this
saying means to retain one idea at length, while also varying and playing
upon that idea. It means to create
development and build substance, not by introducing numerous new |
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themes, but rather by exploring and fully presenting one
single idea. Most works do not merely
jump from theme to theme, presenting one after the other. Rather, they present one solid, interesting
theme. Then they make use of
compositional techniques to develop that idea. The composer uses repetition, or changes
the rhythm of the theme, or the length, or inverts it, or changes keys—all
ways of altering the theme into many different things, while simultaneously
maintaining the one single idea. What happens if this idea
is not followed? If one theme after
another is presented, a series of unrelated, undeveloped musical ideas, then
there is often little to hold onto for the listener. There is also less room for substantive
exploration of ideas. Of course, that
is not to say it is not possible to use this strategy, but using the “same
but different” guideline is usually a good way to start out writing. Likewise, aside from overall structure, the “same
but different” concept also applies well to shaping a melody. A melody can sometimes get away from the
composer so that it is not really leading anywhere. But if emphasis is placed on maintaining
one idea, solidifying that musical concept or feeling, and only straying
further to add emphasis or suspense or climax, then
a more interesting melody can be developed.
Thus, a rich piece of music often takes a single idea and fleshes it
out, shedding light on it in different directions, and making use of the full
spectrum of compositional tools, rather than jumping too quickly between
various themes. |
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All articles (c) 1999-2006 by LIFTOFF! |