Features Of Music Definitions

Question 1

What is an ostinato?

Answer 1

Melody, harmony/bass line or rhythm play a repeated idea through the excerpt

Question 2

Sequence

Answer 2

The melody is repeated up or down in pitch. Usually a short melody idea

Question 3

Imitation / Antiphonal

Answer 3

The melody is repeated by one voice or instrument then copied by a different voice or instrument

Question 4

Canon

Answer 4

When the melody is copied on different voices / instruments but there is overlap

Question 5

Counter melody

Answer 5

When a second melody is added. This melody is different from the original melody

Question 6

Modulation

Answer 6

Music that changes key, can happen many times in a piece of music

Question 7

Pentatonic scale

Answer 7

Five note scale with no semitones

Question 8

Flattened 7th scale

Answer 8

8 note scale with a flattened 7th note

Question 9

Monophonic

Answer 9

One melody present

Question 10

Homophonic

Answer 10

Melody and accompaniment

Question 11

Polyphonic

Answer 11

Two or more melodies playing at the same time

Question 12

Syncopation

Answer 12

When the rhythm of the music is emphasised off the beat or on the ands between the notes

Question 13

Ties

Answer 13

An arch joins two of the same notes together this means you play that note once but add the two notes together for the length

Question 14

Anacrusis

Answer 14

When the music does not start on beat one

Question 15

Sonata form

Answer 15

A strict ternary form used in classical era A-Expodition B-Developmeny A-Recapitulation

Question 16

Pedal note

Answer 16

One repeated note in the bass line

Question 17

Melismatic

Answer 17

When a single syllable is held over many notes

Question 18

Syllabic

Answer 18

When each syllable has its own note

Question 19

Word painting

Answer 19

When the composer uses the music to emphasise the word