Cell (music)

In music a cell is similar to a figure or motif.

Related Topics:
Music - Figure - Motif

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The 1957 Encyclopédie Larousse defines a cell as follows:

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• "a small rhythmic and melodic design that can be isolated, or can make up one part of a thematic context. A cell can be developed independent of its context, as a melodic fragment. It can be the source for the whole structure of the work; in that case it is called a generative cell."

The 1958 Encyclopédie Fasquelle defines a cell as follows:

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• "a term in musical composition, used to discuss cyclic works. It is the smallest indivisible unit; the cell is distinct from the motif, which can be divided; the cell can, itself, be used as a developmental motif."
 
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