Musical Phrases

Form in Music

Let's explore the similarity between phrases in language and phrases in music.

In language, a "phrase" is a group of words that represent a complete idea. In music, a "phrase" is a group of notes that represent a complete idea. For example, the lullaby "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" is often sung using the following lyrics:

        "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!
         Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky!
         Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!"

Each line of lyrics is in the form of a complete sentence (or idea).

Now listen to the melody to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" as you look at the notes.

Each line of notes is in the form of a complete musical phrase.

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