How to Write a Music Analysis

Things to consider when writing a musical analysis

First of all, describe the following elements of music:

• Key
• Meter
• Tempo
• Instrumentation
• Form

Melody

• Describe the introduction?
• Does it move in leaps or steps?
• Is the melody legato (smooth) or staccato-like (short and detached)?
• Describe the approximate range – narrow or wide?
• Is it motivic or lyrical?
• Identify and describe sequences as ascending or descending, tonal or real.
• List other composition devices such as arpeggios, leaps, repeated notes, imitation?

Harmony/Tonality

• Name the key or tonal center, i.e. major, minor, modal, atonal or polytonal?
• Identify all keys used and how they related to each other – if at all?
• Identify chromatic chords, state where they occur and name them?
• Does it have treatment and resolution of dissonance, any unresolved dissonance?
• Specify the cadence points. 
• Discuss the harmonic rhythm. Is it consistent, or does it change?

Rhythm/Meter

• Name and explain the meter
• Do parts play the same rhythm or different rhythmic patterns?
• Describe any irregular meters and time changes?
• Identify and describe rhythmic contrasts or cross-rhythms.
• Are the note values all very similar or constantly changing?
• Is there a simple rhythmic pattern such as one note per beat, or is it more complex?
• Describe if and how rhythm develops – or is there a repeated rhythmic motive

Instrumentation

• Name the instruments and voice types used?
• At what point do instruments/voices enter?
• Can you hear one or more solo instruments in the work?
• What role do the various instruments play? (Are they all playing the same thing, or do some play thematic material and others an accompaniment role?)

Timbre/Dynamics

• Describe how the sound is built up?
• Is the use of dynamics unexpected or logical?
• Explain how the dynamics and timbre contribute to the composer’s intention?

 Texture

• Name and describe the predominant texture (polyphonic, homophonic, monophonic) or is it a mixture?
• Identify the texture as thick and heavy or thin and light. Describe any texture changes.

Form

• Describe the form of the piece. e.g. binary, ternary, rondo, theme and variation. 
• Is it free-flowing, episodic, through-composed or cyclical?

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