The spelling of "pitch pattern" is straightforward if you're familiar with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In IPA, "pitch" is pronounced /pɪtʃ/ and "pattern" is pronounced /ˈpatərn/. So the proper way to spell the phrase in IPA is /pɪtʃ ˈpatərn/. The sound /pɪtʃ/ is made up of the voiceless bilabial plosive /p/ followed by the voiced alveolar fricative /ʃ/. Meanwhile, /ˈpatərn/ consists of the stressed syllable /ˈpat/ (with the vowel sound /æ/) followed by the unstressed syllable /ərn/ (with the vowel sound /ə/).
Pitch pattern refers to the melodic contour or arrangement of different musical pitches in a piece of music or a specific section. It is the sequence, progression, or organization of tones and intervals that create a distinctive tune or musical structure. The term is commonly used in the analysis of melody and harmony.
In a general sense, pitch pattern can refer to the rise and fall of musical pitches in relation to each other, indicating variations in pitch height and direction. It encompasses the shape of a melody, including whether it is ascending, descending, or staying on the same pitch level. Variations in pitch pattern can affect the emotional and expressive quality of a piece, as well as its overall structure and coherence.
Pitch pattern can also refer to specific recurring sequences or motifs within a musical composition, such as a melodic phrase or a rhythmic motif. These recurring patterns can create a sense of familiarity and unity throughout a piece, giving it a distinct identity or theme.
Furthermore, pitch pattern can be analyzed using musical notation or represented graphically through pitch graphs or contour maps. These visual aids allow for an in-depth examination of the relationship between different pitches, intervals, and melodic changes.
Overall, understanding the concept of pitch pattern is crucial in the analysis and comprehension of music, as it plays a significant role in shaping the melodic and harmonic aspects of a composition.
The word "pitch" comes from the Old English word "picchen" or "piccian", which means "to thrust in, drive in". It is related to the Middle Dutch word "pecken" and the Old High German word "picken". In the context of sound, "pitch" refers to the perceived frequency of a sound wave.
The word "pattern" originates from the Middle English word "patern" or "paten", borrowed from the Old French word "patron". It comes from the Latin word "patronus", meaning "a protector or supporter". In the context of music, "pattern" refers to a recurring sequence or arrangement of musical elements, like notes or rhythms.
Therefore, the term "pitch pattern" combines the concept of the perceived frequency of sound waves ("pitch") with the recurring sequence of musical elements ("pattern") to refer to a sequence or arrangement of pitch characteristics in music.