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