Figure (music)

In music theory, a figure generally refers to a short, recognizable melodic or rhythmic pattern. It's a broad term, encompassing motifs, cells, and sometimes even short phrases. The specific meaning often depends on context.

Common Usages:

• Melodic Figure: A short melodic fragment that's easily identified and can be used for development or variation within a composition. It might consist of just a few notes outlining a chord or creating a particular contour.
• Rhythmic Figure: A repeating rhythmic pattern that provides a characteristic rhythmic identity. It may or may not be associated with a specific melodic contour.
• Figured Bass: In baroque music, figures can also refer to the numbers written below the bass line in figured bass. These numbers indicate the intervals to be played above the bass note, allowing the keyboard player to improvise a chordal accompaniment. This specific usage is commonly referred to as "figured bass" or "thoroughbass."
• Ornamentation: Figures can also describe specific types of melodic ornamentation or embellishments, such as trills or mordents. In this context, "figure" describes the specific ornamental pattern being played.

While "motif" is often used synonymously, a motif is typically understood to be a more significant and structurally important element than a simple figure. Figures, in general, can be considered building blocks used in the construction of musical ideas. They are smaller than phrases and often lack a complete harmonic function on their own.