Melodic imitation is the repetition of a melody in a different voice or instrument shortly after its initial presentation. It has long been central to music composition and performance not only in Western music but also in other music traditions because of its ability to enhance both variety and texture while maintaining a sense of unity.
Melodic imitation was particularly noteworthy during the Renaissance, in large part because of the important role it played in the creation of polyphonic music, including enhancing its complexity and beauty. Basic techniques were established that would influence Western music for centuries to come, and such imitation continues to be used extensively today in most genres. A major exception is some so-called contemporary classical music, which deliberately discards melodic imitation as well as other compositional techniques that evolved during the common practice era.
Strict imitation occurs when a melody is repeated exactly, often at a different pitch, such as in a round. In fugal imitation melodies are not only repeated but also transformed through techniques such as transposition and inversion.
Rhythmic_imitation differs from melodic imitation in that it involves repeating the rhythm of a musical phrase while altering the melody. It is also widely used, particularly in some forms of popular music.