Retrograde

Definition

To go backwards. A melody or a section of music can be written or performed from the end to the beginning.

The texture of the music including the harmonies can be written or performed from the end to the beginning. Retrograde inversion means the music can be written or performed backwards and upside-down at the same time. These are called serial techniques.

Examples

This is the original tone row

This is the retrograde; the tone row mirrored vertically

This is the retrograde inversion; the tone row mirrored both vertically and horizontally

Related concepts

• Serial (AH)