Concepts Flashcards
What is a mass
Sacred choral work.
Listen for “kyrie” “Benedictus” “Gloria” “sactus” “dei” “credo”
Oratorio
Similar to opera but based on sacred (religious) texts (recitative, arias and choruses)
Countertenor
Extremely high sounding male voice
Concerto
A price for a solo instrument backed by an orchestra
Ritornello
Opening theme that returns in various ways. Played by everyone
Basso continuo
Low sounding strong instrument playing throughout the piece
Acciaccatura
A quick note before the first main not of the melody (grace note)
Mordent
A decoration where notes quickly move to its neighbour and back again
Chamber music
Music for a small space
Passacaglia
Slow and stately dance with 3 beats in the bar. Ground bass
Ground bass
A bass line repeated over and over while upper parts proceed with the melody
Obbligato
An instrumental counter melody in a vocal piece of music
Concerto grosso
2 main sections 2 groups, one large one small. The basso continuo is easily heard
Sonata
Solo instrument + piano or solo piano
Mode
Type of scale before major or minor key change
Rubato
Tempo has a slight change of speed
Overture
An introduction of a price of orchestral music
Cadenza
Section where the orchestra stops and allows soloist to show off
Rondo form
ABACADA
Musique concrete
Uses random sounds to make music
Irregular time signatures
No fixed time signature
Plainchant/plainsong
Male monks would sing together as part of their worship
A Capella and melismatic
