Ascendant (music)
Ascendant (from Latin ascendere: to rise) is a term from the analysis of pieces of music ( music analysis ). It denotes an upward, i.e. ascending, tendency of a melody or a voice. The counterpart, i.e. the downward tendency of a melody, is called descendent . If there is no clear tendency and the melody repeatedly approaches a key note, one speaks of a pendulum melody .
An ascendant melody is also given if there is no continuously ascending melody (e.g. c´-d´-e´-f´). A voice leading is also possible, the basic tendency of which is upward, but which regularly contains downwardly directed intervals (e.g. c´-e´-d´-f´).
Ascendants are often used in classical music to create a tension that is moving towards a climax. Therefore, as shown in the example, ascendants are often associated with a crescendo . Descendants as a counterpart to the ascendants mostly reflect a relaxation within the flow of music.