Music A-Level
contour
What contour means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of contour
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain contour in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The shape of a melody as it moves through time, described as ascending, descending, stepwise, conjunct, disjunct, scalic, triadic or arpeggio.
Topics that use contour
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Antecedent phrase
- Antiphonal texture
- Aria
- Articulation
- Balanced phrases
- Bass suspension
- Basso continuo
- Binary form
Using contour in the exam
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