Bill Troxler
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Nested Arches - the musical palindrome

One structural choice infrequently used by traditional and pop composers is called "The Nested Arches".  This structural pattern is highly effective and deserves more attention and use.

The pattern requires three complete sections built upon three separate phrases.  The phrases may or may not have the same motive.  Modulation between the sections is optional.  If modulation is used it tends to be most effective during the C section.  

One pass through the melody has this structure:  A  B  C  B  A.  This structure is a musical palindrome.   The structure reads the same way backwards and forwards.  Or think of it as two arches, one inside the other, surrounding the C section.

Listeners respond to this structure in two ways.  First, they often hear the piece as longer and more complex than it really is.  Second, the structure tends to emphasis the melodic and lyrical content of part C.  

The nested arches structure, or musical palindrome, can be found in the works of the classical period.  



Nested Arches - the Musical Palindrome
Picture
Here's a silly example of a lyric built upon the structure of nested arches.  The sample recording is a "one track wonder".  It's an example, not serious studio work!

    Part A
         Fresh mowed law - - allergies
         No matter what I know I'm going to sneeze

    Part B
        Maybe its in my genes, like uncle Fred
        Now my eyes are turning red

    Part C
         I know all is lost
         At least until the first frost
​
    Part B
        Maybe its in my genes, like uncle Fred
      Now my eyes are turning red

    Part A
         Fresh mowed law - - allergies
       No matter what I know I'm going to sneeze

The structure works to highlight the melody and lyric of part C.  
For a real world example, listen to the Beatles's song Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.  This lead track on their Album of the same name is structured as a musical palindrome.  The introduction to the song lasts about 20 or 30 seconds.  After that, the structure is in the form of nested arches.  Sgt. Pepper is a musical palindrome.   Listen at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE0rNwsXR4Q
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