Which melodic movement characterizes Kern's river motif?

Which melodic movement characterizes Kern's river motif?

• A. Upward leap of a perfect fourth
• B. Downward step of a minor second
• C. Repeated octave
• D. Ascending major third

Answer: (A)

The river motif is defined by a single, decisive melodic gesture that gives it a strong, memorable shape. In Kern’s line, this comes from an upward leap by a perfect fourth. A perfect fourth spans four scale steps and produces a bright, open jump that stands out in the melody, giving it forward momentum and a sense of lift like flowing water. This upward fourth establishes a distinctive contour that listeners quickly recognize, which is why it’s the best description of the motif. A tiny downward step of a minor second would feel too small and hurried to define the motif; a repeated octave would be too repetitive and not capture the melodic shape; an ascending major third would be a gentler rise, not the bold leap that characterizes the motif’s identity.

The river motif is defined by a single, decisive melodic gesture that gives it a strong, memorable shape. In Kern’s line, this comes from an upward leap by a perfect fourth. A perfect fourth spans four scale steps and produces a bright, open jump that stands out in the melody, giving it forward momentum and a sense of lift like flowing water.

This upward fourth establishes a distinctive contour that listeners quickly recognize, which is why it’s the best description of the motif. A tiny downward step of a minor second would feel too small and hurried to define the motif; a repeated octave would be too repetitive and not capture the melodic shape; an ascending major third would be a gentler rise, not the bold leap that characterizes the motif’s identity.