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"I alter some things, eliminate and try again until I am satisfied. Then begins the mental working out of this material in its breadth, its narrowness, its height and depth." —LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

Key Points

  • Melodic ideas, or themes, are used as building blocks in a composition; these melodies are made up of short melodic or rhythmic fragments known as motives.
  • Themes can be expanded by varying the melody, rhythm, or harmony through thematic development; this usually happens in large-scale works.
  • Development and variation are processes found in all styles of music.
  • Repeated short patterns, or ostinatos, can also be used to build compositions.

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