AP Music Theory Flashcards: Phrase Relationships
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
How are melodic relationships between phrases commonly represented?
Melodic relationships are represented by lowercase letters, such as 'a a' for repetition, 'a a'' for varied repetition, and 'a b' for contrasting phrases.
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How are melodic relationships between phrases commonly represented?
Melodic relationships are represented by lowercase letters, such as 'a a' for repetition, 'a a'' for varied repetition, and 'a b' for contrasting phrases.
Define the antecedent phrase.
The antecedent is the first phrase of a period, which characteristically ends with an inconclusive cadence.
If two phrases are labeled 'a a'' and form a period, what type of period is it?
This would be a parallel period because the phrases are melodically similar (the second is a varied repetition of the first).
What is a period in music?
A period is a combination of two phrases where the first phrase (antecedent) ends with an inconclusive cadence and the second phrase (consequent) ends with a conclusive cadence.
What does the label 'a b' signify about the melodic content of two phrases?
The label 'a b' signifies that the two phrases are melodically contrasting.
What constitutes a contrasting period?
A contrasting period consists of two melodically different phrases where the first ends inconclusively and the second ends conclusively.
Define the consequent phrase.
The consequent is the second phrase of a period, which provides stronger harmonic repose by ending with a conclusive cadence.
If two phrases are labeled 'a b' and form a period, what is this structure called?
This structure is called a contrasting period, as it is composed of two melodically contrasting phrases that fulfill the required cadential relationship.
What is the difference between a parallel period and a contrasting period?
A parallel period consists of two melodically similar phrases, whereas a contrasting period consists of two melodically contrasting phrases.
What two cadential conditions are necessary to form a period?
To form a period, the first phrase must end with an inconclusive cadence and the second phrase must end with a conclusive cadence.