Chapter 29-32 Vocabulary Flashcards
Theme
A melodic idea used as a basic building block in the construction of a piece. Also subject
Thematic Development
Musical expansion of a theme by varying its melodic outline, harmony, or rhythm. Also thematic transformation
Motive
Short melodic or rhythmic idea; the smallest fragment of a theme that forms a melodic-harmonic-rhythmic unit.
Sequence
Restatement of an idea or motive at a different pitch level.
Absolute Music
Music that has no literary, dramatic, or pictorial program. Also called pure music
Multimovement Cycle
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.
Refrain
Text or music that is repeated within a larger form.
Rondo
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.
Rounded Binary (or Rounded Binary Form)
Composition form with two sections, in which the second ends with a return to material from the first; each section is usually repeated.
Symphony
Large work of orchestra, generally in three or four movements.
Overture
An introductory movement, as in an opera or oratorio, often presenting melodies from arias to come. Also an orchestral work for concert performance.
Theme and Variations
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.
Divertimento
Classical instrumental genre for chamber ensemble or soloist, often performed as light entertainment. Related to serenade
Serenade
Classical instrumental genre that combines elements of chamber music and symphony, often performed in the evening or at social functions. Related to divertimento
Sonata-Allegro Form (also Sonata Form)
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
Modulates/Modulation
The process of changing from one key to another
Exposition
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
Bridge
Transitional passage connecting two sections of a composition; also transition. Also the part of a string instrument that holds the strings in place.
Development
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.
Recapitulation
Third section of sonata-allegro form, in which the thematic material of the exposition is restated, generally in the tonic. Also restatement
Coda
The last part of a piece, usually added to a standard form to bring it to a close.
Minuet and Trio
Minuet (b); Trio (d)
An A-B-A form (A = minuet; B = trio) in a moderate triple meter; often the third movement of the Classical multimovement cycle.
Da Capo
An indication to return to the beginning of a piece.
Raga
Melodic pattern used in music of India; prescribes pitches, patterns, ornamentation, and extramusical associations such as time of performance and emotional character.
