06A melody is timed events, not a pitch list
Melody & phrase
Melody emerges when pitches, attacks, durations, rests, register and articulation create a recognizable path through a phrase. Choose the temporal skeleton first; then rank pitches for each position.
event = onset + duration + pitch + velocity + gateA rest is a timed event without pitch. An empty editor cell means “unassigned,” so it cannot replace an intentional rest.Build from rhythm to pitch
phrase boundary
where are we?→rhythmic skeleton
when?→pitch function
land or travel?→contour + register
which direction?
where are we?→rhythmic skeleton
when?→pitch function
land or travel?→contour + register
which direction?
Contextual example
Breathing line in three
3/4 · ×2 · C major · 2 barstrack123456789101112
metersix beatsXXXXXX
melodyonsets + final spaceXxXx
restintentional breathX
0 → 2 → 4 → 70land→
2pass→
4land→
7answer
- Hear
- Three attacks create a rising answer, followed by an intentional breath.
- Use
- Establish a phrase that remains legible before adding ornament.
- Why it fits
- Chord tones occupy structural positions; the final rest marks the boundary instead of filling every slot.
How Build constructs the Melody layer
Every number is a relative collection degree; every empty position is time without a new note. The library combines a contour operation with gate, velocity and rest lanes. Mirror, question–answer, apex and subtraction need only an explicit degree inventory. Chromatic approach is shown only when the collection declares a chromatic-neighbour model; tradition-qualified inventories remain conservative until their phrase grammar is supplied.
Contextual example
Approach a stable tone
C major · weak subdivision → strong beat0 2 4 5 7 9 110root1·223·43546·758·9610·117
6 → 76outside · weak→
7stable · strong
- Hear
- A chromatic neighbor creates brief friction, then releases by semitone.
- Use
- Point toward the next anchor without changing the tonal center.
- Why it fits
- The outside pitch is short, metrically weak and immediately resolves to a chord tone.
Rank by position, then vary
| Phrase role | First candidates | Useful alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Strong onset | Current chord tones and common tones | Suspension if its resolution is audible |
| Weak subdivision | Stepwise collection tones | Short chromatic approach |
| Phrase ending | Target tone, sustained note or explicit rest | Deliberate unresolved continuation |
| Repeated phrase | Preserve rhythm and contour | Mutate one pitch, octave, gate or ending |
generator order
time → role → candidates → contour → articulationProbability chooses among compatible candidates. It does not replace meter, phrase structure or an explicit decision to leave the context.Terms, relations and sources
Key terms
phrasecontourrestcollectionRelated chapters
Time & meterPhrase grammar across systemsDetailed lookup
Melody operationsNotation legendEvidence
Editorial sourcesModels state their boundary; tradition-specific claims require specialist sources.