melodicmetrical

Melodicmetrical is a coined term in music theory used to describe a property of melodies that combines contour with symmetry. It refers to the presence of symmetrical structure within a melodic line, which can manifest as exact retrograde motion (a note sequence that reads the same forwards and backwards) or as mirrored intervallic content around a central axis.

The term blends the ideas of melodic construction and symmetrical organization. It is not widely adopted in standard theory literature, but appears in niche analytical discussions as a convenient label for analyses that treat shape and symmetry as a single organizing principle in melody.

Key features commonly associated with melodicmetrical design include axis-centered symmetry, palindromic phrases, and mirrored intervals around a pivot pitch. Some analyses emphasize proportional rhythm that reinforces the symmetrical contour, linking note durations to the melodic shape. The concept can be expanded to consider symmetry in pitch-class space through inversion or rotation, as well as in the relational spacing of motifs.

In practice, a melodicmetrical approach might involve presenting a motif and then restating it in a mirrored form, either through retrograde, interval inversion, or both, to produce a cohesive sense of balance. It is often discussed in relation to other ideas such as melodic symmetry, inversion, retrograde technique, and musical palindromes.

See also: symmetry in music, melodic symmetry, inversion, retrograde, musical palindrome, motif.