Aural Concepts/Definitions

Question 0

What is the definition of DURATION?

Answer 0

Long or short? Discuss the use of duration both vertically and horizontally. Eg In bar 1-8 the violins play staccato quavers while the cellos played sustained semibreves creating a contrast between the parts.

Question 1

What is the definition of PITCH?

Answer 1

High or low

Describe the melody and then explain HOW it is used.

Question 2

What is the definition of DYNAMICS and EXPRESSIVE TECHNIQUES?

Answer 2

Loud and soft. Discuss the ways dynamics are achieved. ie playing louder, adding instruments.
Identify the purpose of the dynamics ie build to a climax, shape a phrase, highlight an instrument.
ET: The addition of ways of playing eg: accents, trills etc. What was the purpose of adding the ET?

Question 3

What is the definition of STRUCTURE?

Answer 3

The way pieces are put together
Eg: binary, ternary, verse/chorus etc
Use all the elements to explain how each section differs from the other.

Question 4

What is the definition of TONE COLOUR?

Answer 4

How the instrument sounds.

Identify performing media, sound source, method of sound production and the effect of combining these.

Question 5

What is the definition of TEXTURE?

Answer 5

The layers of sound.Identify the layers of sound you can hear. When do they enter or leave?
What is the role of each layer? (melody, harmony, bass or rhythm?)