What does the term "augmentation" refer to in musical presentation?

The term "augmentation" in musical presentation refers to the practice of doubling the note values in a melody. This means that each note in the original melody is lengthened, typically by a factor of two. For instance, if a melody originally contains quarter notes, in augmentation, those would be transformed into half notes. This technique is often used in composition to create a more expansive and grander interpretation of a theme, emphasizing its melodic development and variation while maintaining the original contour of the music.

In contrast, halving note values would be referred to as "diminution," which is a different concept where the duration of notes is reduced. Creating a polyphonic texture involves the simultaneous combination of two or more independent melodies, which does not relate to the term “augmentation.” Establishing a pivot chord refers to a chord that allows modulation to another key, which is also distinct from the idea of augmentation in melodic context.