Advanced Higher Maths: Texture/Structure/Form

Question 1

Fugue

Answer 1

A contrapuntal piece based on a theme (subject) announced in one voice part alone, then imitated by other voices in close succession.

Question 2

Subject

Answer 2

The main theme in a composition, the main themes in sonata form, or the main theme on which a fugue is based.

Question 3

Answer

Answer 3

In a fugue, after the subject is played, the same tune appears in another voice or part in the dominant (a 5th higher or a 4th lower). This is called the answer.

Question 4

Countersubject

Answer 4

In a fugue, after the subject or answer is played, the continuation of that same instrument or voice is called the countersubject.

Question 5

Stretto

Answer 5

Where voices or instruments enter very quickly one after the other, as in fugue.

Question 6

Antiphonal

Answer 6

Dialogue between voices or instruments – one group of voices or instruments answers the other.

Question 7

Bridge

Answer 7

A link between two themes.

Question 8

Song Cycle

Answer 8

A group of songs linked by a common theme or with a text written by the same author, usually accompanied by piano but sometimes by small ensembles or full orchestra.

Question 9

Leitmotif

Answer 9

A theme occurring throughout a work which represents a person, an event or an idea, etc.

Question 10

Inversion

Answer 10

When a musical shape is mirrored; an inverted chord is formed when a note other than the root is in the bass.

Question 11

Retrograde

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Basso Continuo

Answer 12

In the Baroque period, the basso continuo consists of a single bass line (for example, a cello) with a keyboard part (for example, a harpsichord) filling in the harmonies The basso continuo supports one or more melody lines

Question 13

Concerto grosso

Answer 13

A small group of soloists (concertino) contrasts with a larger group of instrumentalists (ripieno). The concerto grosso developed in the Baroque period.

Question 14

Ritornello

Answer 14

Ritornello means a theme which returns frequently throughout a piece.
In a concerto grosso, the ritornello is the main, recurring theme played by the ripieno. The ritornello may return frequently throughout the movement.

Question 15

Passacaglia

Answer 15

Variations over a ground bass.

Question 16

Da capo aria

Answer 16

An aria in ternary form used in opera and oratorio. The 3rd section was not written out and was often ornamented.

Question 17

Sonata form

Answer 17

A form used for the first movement of a sonata or symphony.

Question 18

Exposition

Answer 18

The first section of a movement in sonata form.

Question 19

Subject

Answer 19

The main theme in a composition, the main themes in sonata form, or the main theme on which a fugue is based.

Question 20

Through-composed

Answer 20

A vocal piece in which there is little or no repetition of the music.