Melody

[spaceray]

A radio presenter says Vivaldi wrote 5000 variations on a single melody,what makes a good melody?

[chopithoven]

Originally posted by spaceray:
A radio presenter says Vivaldi wrote 5000 variations on a single melody,what makes a good melody?

5000 vars in only one work? Astonishing.

[Gurn Blanston]

Originally posted by spaceray:
A radio presenter says Vivaldi wrote 5000 variations on a single melody,what makes a good melody?

spaceray,
He was actually misquoting an old saying that Vivaldi actually only wrote 1 concerto, but that he rewrote it 500 times. I think this does the man a gross injustice, as anyone with half an ear can easily discern at least 2 different melodies there! ;-)) No, I'm not serious, being a big V fan, but as to what actually makes a good melody, it surely is in the ear of the beholder, since I see the same works loved by as many as those who revile them.
Regards, Gurn

[Peter]

Originally posted by spaceray:
A radio presenter says Vivaldi wrote 5000 variations on a single melody,what makes a good melody?

Hard one this! You could talk about mode, pitch and rhythm, but ultimately I suppose it comes down to whether or not you like it! Take the theme from the Diabelli variations -nothing special or memorable but pleasant enough - it took a great composer to show what could be done with it!

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'Man know thyself'