Music Phrase

A Phrase Is A Complete Musical​ Thought

Most definitions include the idea that a phrase is a "complete musical thought." In fact, the phrase is the shortest complete musical thought, as a motif or figure (which are both shorter) are too short to be considered a "complete thought."

A Phrase Ends with a Cadence

Most theorists and dictionaries agree that phrases end with a cadence. A cadence is a harmonic progression (sequence of chords) that suggests a temporary repose or resolution. (Similar to a coma or full stop in a sentence.)

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A Phrase Has a Contour and Climax

A phrase has a rising and/or falling ​contour in the sequence of pitches that constitute it. Of course, there are exceptions, but this is largely true. ​Additionally, a phrase has a climax. Understanding where the climax is is critical for interpreting a piece at a high level. The climax may be an expressive harmony, a dissonance, a longer note, or a high (or sometimes low) note.

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A Phrase Can't Be Defined By Its Length

It’s also important to understand what a phrase is not. Some theorists define phrases by their length since there is so much music in which the typical phrase is 2 or 4 measures long – especially in hymns, folk music, and much “early” classical music. Still, defining a musical phrase by its length would be like trying to define an English phrase by the number of words in it. It’s not a foolproof way of doing so.

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