Common Musical Vocabulary

Question 1

Basso Continuo

Answer 1

• A Baroque performance practice
• Two players: one playing the notated bass line, one realizing the harmonies indicated by the figured bass
• Harmonies normally played on harpsichord or organ
• Provides harmonic framework

Question 2

Figured Bass

Answer 2

• A musical shorthand developed during the Baroque Era
• Numbers are placed below the bass line to indicate harmonic progression
• Provides the structure for guided improvisation
• Performed/realized by the basso continuo

Question 3

The Affections

Answer 3

• Also known as the “Doctrine of Affections” or “the Affects”, it refers to the emotional state of the soul
• A single “Affect” or “Affection” is usually projected in a composition or movement in Baroque music

Question 4

Polyphonic Texture

Answer 4

• Two or more independent melodic lines heard at the same time

Question 5

Homophonic Texture

Answer 5

• Texture with a single line of melody and accompanying harmony

Question 6

Ritornello Form

Answer 6

• A structure used in the first and third movements of a Baroque concerto. The opening passage is restated several times throughout, acting as a refrain.

Question 7

Ripieno

Answer 7

• Italian for “full” or “complete”

- Indicates the use of a full orchestra in a Baroque concerto

Question 8

Ostinato

Answer 8

• Italian for “obstinate” or “persistent”

- A rhythmic, harmonic, or melodic pattern peated for an extended period or throughout a work

Question 9

Drone

Answer 9

• A sustained bass note for harmonic support

- A common feature in folk music

Question 10

Terraced Dynamics

Answer 10

• Baroque practice of changing volume levels abruptly

- Results in stark contrast rather than gradual change

Question 11

Word Painting

Answer 11

• Musical picturization
• Mirrors the literal meaning of the words
• Achieved through melody, rhythm, or harmony

Question 12

Aria

Answer 12

• Italian for “air”
• A highly emotional and virtuosic solo song w/ accompaniment.
• Used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas
• May have lyrical and dramatic qualities, revealing the character’s most intimate emotions

Question 13

Da Capo Aria

Answer 13

• An aria employing ternary (ABA) form

- Most common aria type in Baroque opera and oratorio w/ three-part structure, ternary form

Question 14

Melisma

Answer 14

• A group of notes sung on a single syllable, demonstrating vocal virtuosity and highlights keywords

Question 15

Recitative Secco

Answer 15

• Italian for “dry recitative”

- Supported only by continuo, it is a speech-like, declamatory style of singing used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas

Question 16

Recitative Accompagnato

Answer 16

• Italian for “accompanied recitative”
• A speech-like, declamatory style of singing supported by an instrumental ensemble or orchestra
• Allowing greater connection with the text, this type of recitative is employed in operas, oratorio, and cantata

Question 17

Pedal Point

Answer 17

• Sustained note over which harmonies change

Question 18

Tierce de Picardie

Answer 18

• Ending a minor-key movement with a major key tonic chord (Bach did this very often)

Question 19

Equal Temperament

Answer 19

• Tuning system based on the division of the octave into 12 equal semitones
• Composition and performances in all keys become easier

Question 20

Chamber Music

Answer 20

• A genre featuring one player per part
• Small ensembles: two - ten players
• Usually performed w/o a conductor

Question 21

Sonata Cycle

Answer 21

• Multi-movement structure that emerged in the Classical Era

- Used in symphonies, sonatas, or concertos

Question 22

Sonata Form

Answer 22

• Formal structure often used in the first movement of a sonata cycle
• Three main parts: exposition, development, recapitulation
• Other names include “first-movement form” and “sonata-allegro form”

Question 23

Viennese School

Answer 23

• Refers to the musical styles created by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and their contemporaries
• Austria flourished as a musical centre in the late 18th century

Question 24

Rocket Theme

Answer 24

• A dramatic opening Classical Era works, the rocket theme is a rapidly ascending melody that outlines an arpeggio

Question 25

Rounded Binary

Answer 25

• Two-part musical form: (A :||: B + A :||)

- Section A material returns in Section B