But so is the saxophonist's ability to pierce the heart with the simplest melodic figure.

The loops in version 2.0 are less like drones and more like small melodic figures.

One way in which Barber unifies all of these sections is through the use of specific melodic figures.

The other, and more important, unifying motive is the descending third melodic figure within the right hand.

Isolated notes, simple melodic figures, or bell-like ostinati suit it well.

Along with given melodic figures, the composer created the form and mood by giving the musicians scales on which they could build their own figures.

Christoph Wolff terms the material "bizarre chromatic melodic figures".

These later developments place less emphasis on the stock of melodic figures, and allow more free composition.

Creeping melodic figures evolve into widening and mysterious chords.

A nota cambiata is a four note melodic figure and the forerunner of the 18th-century's changing tones.