Melody is a fundamental element of musical pieces, and its definition in artistic expression is not as simple as defined in words. A great example of the difference between intentional and extensional definitions of linguistic expressions.
Melody Definition In Words
The word melody originates from the Greek term melos which means song. From melos, derived the word used both in Greek and Late Latin melōidia, then to the Old French melodie.
We create a melody by arranging a particular sequence of notes and accomplishing a satisfying piece of music. Whether it is presented in the form of chords or not, the length, tempo, instrument, quantity of instruments, and medium are not considered to define whether it is a melody or not. Consequently, the type of music of the particular melody is also irrelevant in its definition.
Melody Defined By Musicians
Certainly, melody is presently perceived mostly as a single, cohesive entity in intention, musicians have a broader say about its definition.
Here I present in a form of playlist a few unconventional melodic compositions of music in practice that are considered rhythmically distinctive, unusual, or innovative in various ways:
Hildegard Von Bingen – O Virtus Sapientiae
Hildegard Von Bingen, a medieval composer, created music that was highly innovative for its time. “O Virtus Sapientiae” is an example of her monophonic, chant-like melodies that exhibit a mystical and contemplative quality.
Meredith Monk – Dolmen Music
Meredith Monk is a composer known for her innovative vocal techniques and non-traditional use of the voice. “Dolmen Music” features extended vocal techniques, unconventional harmonies, and a unique blending of voices to create a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere.
Béla Bartók – Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta
Béla Bartók, a Hungarian composer, was known for incorporating folk elements into his compositions. This piece features complex rhythms, unusual scales, and intricate melodies, creating a unique and atmospheric musical experience.
Iannis Xenakis – Metastasis
Iannis Xenakis, a Greek-French composer, was an avant-garde pioneer. “Metastasis” is characterized by its complex mathematical structures and lack of a traditional melodic line, instead focusing on the manipulation of sound masses.
Erik Satie – Vexations
Erik Satie’s “Vexations” is an extremely unusual piece due to its performance instructions. The short, simple theme is to be repeated 840 times, creating a meditative and somewhat absurd experience.
Igor Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring
This early 20th-century ballet and orchestral work composed by Igor Stravinsky, shocked audiences with its rhythmic complexity, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional use of melody. The piece is known for its primal and ritualistic qualities.
Fela Kuti – Water No Get Enemy
Fela Kuti AKA Abàmì Ẹ̀dá, a musician, composer, socio-political activist, and Pan-Africanist. One of the most epic representatives of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music genre that combines West African music with American funk and jazz. “Water No Get Enemy” features intricate polyrhythms, a hypnotic groove, and a unique blend of jazz, highlife, and traditional African music.
Oumou Sangaré – Mogoya
Oumou Sangaré, a singer and songwriter, is known for her fusion of traditional Wassoulou music with contemporary styles. “Mogoya” showcases her powerful vocals and a melody that draws from both African and global influences.
Frank Zappa – Peaches en Regalia
Frank Zappa was known for his eclectic and unconventional approach to music. “Peaches en Regalia” is a fusion of various genres, featuring complex instrumental arrangements, unexpected twists, and a playful, unpredictable melody.
György Ligeti – Lux Aeterna
György Ligeti was known for his avant-garde compositions, and “Lux Aeterna” is particularly unusual due to its dense clusters of voices and micro-polyphonic textures. The piece was used in the soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Ornette Coleman – Lonely Woman
Ornette Coleman was a key figure in the free jazz movement. “Lonely Woman” is known for its emotive and unconventional melody, featuring wide interval jumps and a sense of unpredictability.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band – Frownland
Captain Beefheart, the stage name of Don Van Vliet, was known for his avant-garde approach to rock music. “Frownland” features dissonant and sometimes weird melodies, unconventional song structures, and complex rhythms, showcasing Beefheart’s idiosyncratic musical vision.
Brian Eno – Music for Airports
Brian Eno, a pioneer of ambient music, created “Music for Airports” as part of his ambient series. The melodies are subtle and repetitive, designed to create a tranquil and atmospheric background rather than a traditional foreground focus.
John Cage – 4’33”
This is a performance where the sounds of the environment constitute the music while the performer or performers wouldn’t intend to play. As you would expect this piece is often considered one of the most unconventional and intentionally weirdest considered compositions in the history of music. The performer sits in silence for four minutes and thirty-three seconds, highlighting ambient sounds in the environment as the “music.”