Chapter 29-32 Vocabulary

Question 1

Theme

Answer 1

A melodic idea used as a basic building block in the construction of a piece. Also subject

Question 2

Thematic Development

Answer 2

Musical expansion of a theme by varying its melodic outline, harmony, or rhythm. Also thematic transformation

Question 3

Motive

Answer 3

Short melodic or rhythmic idea; the smallest fragment of a theme that forms a melodic-harmonic-rhythmic unit.

Question 4

Sequence

Answer 4

Restatement of an idea or motive at a different pitch level.

Question 5

Absolute Music

Answer 5

Music that has no literary, dramatic, or pictorial program. Also called pure music

Question 6

Multimovement Cycle

Answer 6

A three- or four- movement structure used in Classical-era instrumental music– especially the symphony, sonata, concerto, and chamber music; each movement is in a prescribed tempo and form; sometimes called sonata cycle.

Question 7

Refrain

Answer 7

Text or music that is repeated within a larger form.

Question 8

Rondo

Answer 8

Musical form n which the first section recurs several times, usually in the tonic. In the Classical multimovement cycle, it appears as the last movement in carious forms, such as A-B-A-B-A, A-B-A-C-A, A-B-A-C-A-B-A.

Question 9

Rounded Binary (or Rounded Binary Form)

Answer 9

Composition form with two sections, in which the second ends with a return to material from the first; each section is usually repeated.

Question 10

Symphony

Answer 10

Large work of orchestra, generally in three or four movements.

Question 11

Overture

Answer 11

An introductory movement, as in an opera or oratorio, often presenting melodies from arias to come. Also an orchestral work for concert performance.

Question 12

Theme and Variations

Answer 12

Compositional procedure in which a theme is presented and then altered in successive statements; occurs as an independent piece or as a movement of a multimovement cycle.

Question 13

Divertimento

Answer 13

Classical instrumental genre for chamber ensemble or soloist, often performed as light entertainment. Related to serenade

Question 14

Serenade

Answer 14

Classical instrumental genre that combines elements of chamber music and symphony, often performed in the evening or at social functions. Related to divertimento

Question 15

Sonata-Allegro Form (also Sonata Form)

Answer 15

The opening movement of the multimovement cycle, consisting of themes that are stated in the first section (exposition), developed in the second section (development), and restated in the third section (recapitulation). Also sonata form

Question 16

Modulates/Modulation

Answer 16

The process of changing from one key to another

Question 17

Exposition

Answer 17

Opening section. In a fugue, the first section in which the voices enter in turn with the subject. In sonata-allegro form, the first section in which the major thematic material is stated. Also statement

Question 18

Bridge

Answer 18

Transitional passage connecting two sections of a composition; also transition. Also the part of a string instrument that holds the strings in place.

Question 19

Development

Answer 19

Structural reshaping of thematic material. The second section of sonata-allegro-form; it moves through a series of foreign keys while themes from the exposition are developed.

Question 20

Recapitulation

Answer 20

Third section of sonata-allegro form, in which the thematic material of the exposition is restated, generally in the tonic. Also restatement

Question 21

Coda

Answer 21

The last part of a piece, usually added to a standard form to bring it to a close.

Question 22

Minuet and Trio

Minuet (b); Trio (d)

Answer 22

An A-B-A form (A = minuet; B = trio) in a moderate triple meter; often the third movement of the Classical multimovement cycle.

Question 23

Da Capo

Answer 23

An indication to return to the beginning of a piece.

Question 24

Raga

Answer 24

Melodic pattern used in music of India; prescribes pitches, patterns, ornamentation, and extramusical associations such as time of performance and emotional character.

Question 25

Sitar

Answer 25

Long-necked chordophone of northern India, with movable frets and a rounded gourd body; used as a solo instrument and with a tabla.

Question 26

Tala

Answer 26

Fixed time cycle or meter in Indian music, built from uneven groupings of beats.

Question 27

Tabla

Answer 27

Pair of single-headed, tuned drums used in north Indian classical music.

Question 28

Drone

Answer 28

Sustained sounding of one or several pitches for harmonic support. a common feature of some folk musics.

Question 29

Cadenza

Answer 29

Virtuosic solo passage in the manner of an improvisation, performed near the end of an aria or a movement of a concerto.