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In , pattern or Melodic Figure , often played by the Rhythm Section instruments, that forms the basis or Accompaniment of a musical composition (though they are most often found in Rock Music , Latin, Funk and Jazz ). Classical music is also sometimes based on a simple riff, such as Ravel's Boléro . Riffs can be as simple as a Saxophone honking over an entire chorus on a simple, catchy rhythmic figure, or as complex as the riff-based variations in the Head Arrangement s played by the Count Basie Orchestra . David Brackett (1999) defines riffs as "short melodic Phrases ," while Richard Middleton (1999) defines them as, "short Rhythmic , melodic, or Harmonic figures repeated to form a Structural framework." Rikky Rooksby (2002, p.6-7) states that "A riff is a short, repeated, memorable musical phrase, often pitched low on the guitar, which focuses much of the energy and excitement of a rock song." HISTORY AND APPLICATION The term ''riff'' entered musical Slang in the 1920s (Rooksby, ibid), and is used primarily in discussion of forms of Rock Music or Jazz . "Most rock musicians use ''riff'' as a synonym, almost, for ' Musical Idea .'" (Middleton 1990, p.125). Charlie Parker 's "Thriving on a Riff", like many Bebop originals, was based on the Chord Progression of George Gershwin 's " I Got Rhythm ". Some sources explain ''riff'' as an '', or '' Routine ''. Riffs are often used to create full compositions. The " Night Train A riff is different from the related concept of a al idea, a passage or Phrase , that is believed to be appealing and make the song stand out", and "catch the ear of the listener" (Covach 2005, p.71). SOURCE SIMILAR NOTIONS (AND SYNONYMS) EXTERNAL LINKS |
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