Chapter 1: Melody, Musical Line Flashcards
Pitch
Highness or lowness of a note, depending on the frequency
Frequency
Rate of vibration of a string or column of air, which determines pitch
Note
A musical symbol denoting pitch and duration
Staff
The five parallel lines on which notes are written
Volume
Degree of loudness or softness of a sound; also amplitude
Tone color, timbre
The quality of a sound that distinguishes one voice or instrument from another
Melody
Succession of single pitches perceived by the ear as a unity, the tune of music
Range
The distance between the highest and lowest pitches of a melody, instrument, or voice
Contour
The overall shape of a melodic line, can move upward or downward or remain static
Interval
The distance and relationship between two pitches
Conjunct
Smooth, connected melody that moves principally by small intervals
Disjunct
Disjointed or disconnected melody with many leaps
Concertmaster
The first-chair violinist of a symphony orchestra
Encore
“Again,” an audience request that performers repeat a piece or perform another
Phrase
A musical unit, often a component of a melody
Cadence
Resting place in a musical phrase; musical punctuation
Rhyme scheme
The arrangement of rhyming words or corresponding sounds at the end of poetic lines
Climax
The high point of a melodic line or piece of music, usually representing the peak of intensity, range, and dynamics
Countermelody
An accompanying melody sounding against the original melody
