phrase

phrase
(fraze)

[Eng.]

A musical unit, often a component of a melody. The phrase may be regarded as a dependent division of music, such as a single line of poetry; it does not have a sense of completion in itself. Usually two or more phrases balance each other, as in a period.

SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLES:

Sibelius: Finlandia, Op. 26 (main theme, strings): W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 8
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467, II (piano entrance): W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 4
Traditional: Greensleeves (arr. for harpsichord): W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 30
Weelkes: Welcome sweet pleasures: W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 2, Track 45

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