Elements of Music (definitions) Flashcards
Elements of music definition
The key components of music: pulse, duration, tempo, pitch, dynamics, timbre, texture, form, expression, tonality. (10)
Pitch definition
How high or low a sound or note is. Describe by the name of the pitch it is in e.g C major
Dynamics definition
The relative musical loudness or quietness of a performance.
Timbre definition
The unique tone, colour or quality of any sound or instrument.
Tempo definition
The speed or pace of a piece of music.
Form definition
Describes the structure/layout of a piece of music.
Texture definition
describes the density or layers present in a piece of music
Words to describe the dynamics of a piece of music
Pianissimo (pp) – very quiet Piano (p) – quiet Mezzo forte (mf) – moderately loud Forte (f) – loud Fortissimo (ff) – very loud Sforzando (sfz) – a sudden, forced loud
Words to describe the timbre of an instrument or sound.
Terms we might use to describe timbre: bright, dark, brassy, reedy, harsh, noisy, thin, buzzy, pure, raspy, shrill, mellow, strained.
Words to describe the tempo of a piece of music
Largo—the most commonly indicated “slow” tempo (40–60 BPM)
Adagio—another popular slow tempo, which translates to mean “at ease” (66–76 BPM)
Andante—a popular tempo that translates as “at a walking pace” (76–108 BPM)
Moderato—moderately (108–120 BPM)
Allegro moderato—moderately quick (112–124 BPM)
Allegro—perhaps the most frequently used tempo marking (120–168 BPM, which includes the “heartbeat tempo” sweet spot)
Vivace—lively and fast (typically around 168-176 BPM)
Presto—the most popular way to write “very fast” and a common tempo in fast movements of symphonies (ranges from 168–200 BPM)
Words to describe melody
Ascending, descending, disjunct, conjunct, arch, wave
Words to describe the texture of music
Monophonic.
Polyphonic.
Homophonic.
