c words

Question 1

canon

Answer 1

a compositional technique based off the principle of strict imitation in which an initial melody is imitated at a specific time interval either at the unison (ie same pitch) or at some other pitch

Question 2

cantata

Answer 2

a vocal composition for one or more voices

Question 3

chaconne

Answer 3

a form featuring a short repeating bass line ostinato or ground bass whose harmonic progression continue throughout the piece of music. the parts above it change and develop like a sort of variation

Question 4

chorale

Answer 4

songs written for a congregation to sing during a religious service

Question 5

chromatic

Answer 5

chromatic tones are the notes in a composition that are outside the diatonic (ie major and minor) scales and modes. these are usually identified by use of accidental (sharps, flats & natural symbols)

Question 6

continuo (bass continuo)

Answer 6

a bass part (as for a keyboard or stringed instrument) used especially in baroque ensemble music and consisting of a succession of bass notes with figures that indicate the recommended harmonization

Question 7

countermelody

Answer 7

a secondary melody played in counterpoint with the primary melody

Question 8

counterpoint

Answer 8

the relationship between the two or more melody lines that are played at the same time. they are dependent on each other to create good harmony but also are independent in rhythm and contour