The most successful compositions are able to create tension and constant dialogue between these elements by contrasting and bouncing them off each other. Contrasts of this sort can be very subtle, or very dramatic – that again is the realm of message and personality and style.

All Formal Elements work together as part of a whole, they are merely different aspects of one thing. They affect each other because they are inter-related. Their dialogue is what gives life to a composition, they are the tools to channel your energy. If you are working on one, it will change another. To practice play off their effects is like etudes for a pianist until he can improvise or interpret freely. The knowledge of their workings will also help you to know when to stop and not over-work