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.
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
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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