JAVS Summer 2026

One of the most important techniques for expanding these figures is sequential repetition. A melodic pattern may be restated at different pitch levels, creating forward motion while preserving its recognizable identity. Common procedures include chromatic sequences,

diatonic sequences, arpeggiated sequences, and octave displacement. Figure 6 illustrates several methods by which a short figure can generate a substantially longer passage. 34

Figure 6. Techniques for expanding a short musical figure through sequence, repetition, transposition, and octave displacement.

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue