Imitation (music)

In music, imitation is the repetition of a melody in a polyphonic texture shortly after its first appearance in a different voice, usually at a different pitch. The melody may vary through transposition, inversion, or otherwise, but retain its original character. The intervals and rhythms of an imitation may be exact or modified, imitation occur at varying distances relative to the first occurrence, and phrases may begin with voices in imitation before they freely go their own ways.

When a phrase recurs exactly as before, it is called strict imitation. A round is thus an example of strict imitation. Repetition is defined as the repetition of a phrase or melody often with variations in key, rhythm, and voice. Imitation helps provide unity to a composition.

Real imitation An imitation with no modifications except for the usual diatonic adjustment of half and whole steps. The exact transposition of a melody at different pitch levels. —Benward & Saker (2003) Imitation The repetition of a melody or melodic group in close succession, but in a different voice; the repetition of a melody at a different pitch level in a polyphonic texture. —Benward & Saker Imitation The restatement in close succession of melodic figures in different voices in polyphonic textures. —Benward & Saker (2009)

In counterpoint, imitation occurs in a second voice, usually at a different pitch. Imitative writing was featured heavily in the highly polyphonic compositions of the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

In pop music a much clichéd form of imitation consists of a background choir repeating — usually the last notes — of the lead singer's last line. See: fill (music).