E.g. the notes c d e f g played with an equal division in time and with
the same intensity doesn't make an interesting melody, but if c d e is
played with an emphasis on e and subsequently the notes f and g are
long notes, the melody is more acceptable.
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A number of combinations of these 5 notes may be tried out.
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For a melody, and particularly for one meant to sing, it is important
which notes are emphasized, which ones are long or short and if the
touch is legato (bound), staccato (short and separated) or portato (long
but sparated; the fingers sticking to the keys so to speak). A solo
instrument is more suitable for a melody than a piano.
To invent a melody singing may be inspiring, but singing may also use to improve a melody afterwards, preferably with a text in mind, e.g. playing the notes c d e... f... g... one might think of the text: "And I love... you... so...".
If you have in mind the way a solo instrument would play the melody, it
might infuence your touch positivily. An organist has the possibility to
hold a note, giving him the oportunity to approach the melody he made
by his voice more closely. He often has a portato touch. A pianist just
gives the key a hit and leaves the rest to th hammer, but he might learn a
bit of the touch of the organist by using more portato to give his melody
more eloquence. E.g. the root sounds more intense then.
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The piano needs trills and repetition of notes to suggest long notes.
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As low (bass) notes have more energy, they keep sounding longer. If your
melody needs long notes it may help to play them in a low register.
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On the other hand the piano has its velocity sensitivity, indispensable
for rhythm. So a combination of a piano and a solo instument can take
care of long notes and of the percussion of the rhythm. But the velocity
sensitivity of a piano may also be used to improve a melody. E.g. the
repetition of notes with a strong difference in stress may give the
expression of sobs.
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A note in anticipation may increase the dramatics of a tone. E.g. a
keystep left of the note you are going to.
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For a heavenly atmosphere use legato.
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For rhythm you need an alternation of legato and staccato combined
with accents.
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A melody depends strongly on the harmony. That's why it is useful to
try a melody together with different chords. The same melody has a
very different effect with different chords.
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