In music, a sequence is a motif or phrase that is repeated at different pitch levels. This technique involves taking a musical idea and transposing it to different notes while maintaining the original intervallic relationships. Sequences are commonly used in various musical genres and styles to create a sense of development, variation, and continuity within a composition.
There are different types of sequences, including:
- Melodic Sequence: Repeating a melodic line at ascending or descending pitches.
- Harmonic Sequence: A series of chords that follows a similar pattern but starts at different root notes.
- Rhythmic Sequence: A repeated rhythmic pattern that may be applied to different pitches or musical ideas.
Sequences are prominently featured in both classical and contemporary music, helping to establish themes or motifs and adding to the overall structure of a piece.