Irregular Phrases: Extensions in the Middle
A. Extensions within a phrase: these can be confusing, unless the ‘regular’ design of the phrase is carefully examined. At any inserted extension, the phrase may be (figuratively speaking) pried apart to admit the insertion. Therefore, a litmus test of such an extension is to hear the phrase without the extension and ensure that it still makes sense (allowing for octave transpositions that may take place during the extension.)
Click for Scott Foglesong's lecture on this subject (also plays the examples.)
1.Exact (or slightly modified) repetition of a figure—either a single measure, or more or less than a measure
- Play #1: without expansion | with expansion
- Play #2: without expansion | with expansion
2. Sequence of a figure—either a single measure, or more or less than a measure
- Play #3: without expansion | with expansion
- Play #4: without expansion | with expansion
3. Prolongation of a tone or chord
- Play #5: without expansion | with expansion
- Play #6: without expansion | with expansion
4. Rhythmic expansion of a figure
- Play #7: without expansion | with expansion
