Inherently Irregular Phrases

Irregularity in phrases results either from reaching the cadence a bit too soon, or by an unequal association of melodic members (i.e., 2-measure group plus 3-measure group resulting in a 5-measure phrase.)

Click here for Scott Foglesong's lecture on inherently irregular phrases, using the examples below.

NOTE: click on any of the examples below to hear them played back.

A.    Three-Measure Phrases

B.    Five-Measure Phrases

C.    Six-Measure Phrases

D.    Seven-Measure Phrase