Compositional techniques
What Compositional techniques means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Compositional techniques
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Compositional techniques in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Complex polyphony and contrapuntal textures such as fugues, melody-dominated homophony with chordal accompaniment, and denser, richer textures with thicker chords.
Techniques used to manipulate cells and motifs, such as transposition, inversion, retrograde, and rhythmic alteration.
These include serialism, minimalism and electronic manipulation, and define each sub-genre of art music since 1910.
Topics that use Compositional techniques
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 7: Art music since 1910 (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 7: Art music since 1910 - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Modality
- Motif
- Ostinato
- Rhythm
- Thematic development
- 20th-century chord structures
- 20th-century compositional techniques
- 20th-century rhythmic innovation
Using Compositional techniques in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Music questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge