Reprise is a musical term that refers to a piece of musical material that contains repetition. This phenomenon contributes to the balance and integrity of the form.
Definition
Next, we’ll talk in more detail about
what a reprise is. Examples of this phenomenon can be found in the works of the XVII-XVIII centuries, in particular the aria Da capo. In the XVIII — XX centuries. such forms are widely spread in vocal as well as instrumental music. As an example, one can consider sonata-symphonic cycles, plays, songs, arias and romances.
Reprise is a musical term that has a French origin. Literally, it can be translated as "renewal" or "repetition". Reprise can be modified and accurate. In the first case, we are talking about some kind of transformation of musical material that needs to be repeated. The change can be thematic, timbre, textured, tonal-harmonic.
The reprise, which continues the intensive development of the previous section and exceeds the initial exposition of the musical material in expression, is called dynamized. It can also be false if it precedes the genuine. In this case, we are talking about reproducing the initial material with a non-main tonality.
Other interpretations
According to the dictionary of foreign words, reprise is not only a musical concept. For example, the so-called second strike in fencing. If it is a stage or circus, this term can be used to indicate a stage trick or a comic remark. According to the historical dictionary of Gallicisms, this is the name of the accessories necessary for playing the "Mediator". This interpretation is obsolete. The dictionary of synonyms compares the following concepts with the term we are interested in: strike, renewal, number, trick, replica, repetition, sketch, miniature. Refer to the next source. This term is also found in the dictionary of business terms. It says that a reprise is an appreciation of certain securities that compensates for a previous fall. However, the main value is still musical.
How to write reprise
Now let's talk a little about
musical notation and see how this phenomenon manifests itself in practice and how to designate it. To repeat a single musical fragment or the entire work, it must be enclosed in a reprise using a special sign. It should be noted that the part so designated should not be less than a whole measure. If a repeat is required to be performed without changes, a reprise sign is written. When the end of the work is transformed, the horizontal
square bracket is used. It is called a volta. It must be supplemented by the number 1. Next, we write the measures that should be applied during the replay. Above it, we depict the sign of volta, supplemented by the number 2. According to the author's plan, there can be several options for ending the work. The same number of reprise signs should be used. Let's move on to practice. Reprise is a double bar in musical notation. It is supplemented by two points between the second and fourth lines.