General Flashcards
Things to consider when describing the melody (6)
Instrumentation
Ascending/descending
Conjunct or disjunct
Pitch
Sequences
Dynamics
Things to consider when describing accompaniment (7)
Instrumentation
Texture (e.g. chords, broken chords, octaves, alberti bass, basso continuo, arpeggios, scales)
Ostinato
Pitch
The rhythm
Tonality
Dynamics
Things to consider when describing structure (5)
ABA - Ternary
AB - Binary
ABACADA - Rondo
A A’ A’’ A’’’ - Theme and Variations
Sonata form (exposition, development, recapitulation)
Things to consider when describing texture (5)
Homophonic/polyphonic/monophonic/heterophonic
Parallel motion
Chords, broken chords
In unison, in octaves
Instrumentation
Arco
A string instrument is bowed in the usual way
Pizzicato
A string instrument is plucked
Glissando
A continuous slide upwards or downwards between two notes
Tremolo
A vibrating/shaking sound created by repeating the same or playing two notes note extremely quickly
Double stopping
Playing two notes simultaneously on a stringed instrument
Strumming
Moving your fingers or a pick across the strings of a guitar, lute or similar instrument
Pitch bending
A note sliding upwards/downwards
Mute
A device inside an instrument that alters its timbre and somewhat dampens the sound
Roll
A tremolo on a percussion instrument
Melisma
Vocal effect, several notes sung in one syllable
Imitation
Repeating a melody in a different voice
Sequence
Repeating a motif at a higher or lower pitch
Canon
Imitation of a melody
Ostinato
Repeated motif, usually in the same pitch
Drone
A sustained note or chord
Alberti bass
Arpeggiated accompaniment, common in keyboard music in the Classical era
(do so mi so do so mi so)
Pedal
Sustained tone, usually in the bass
Contrary motion
Two voices move in opposite direction
Opera
Staged drama set to music
Dramatic
Voice usually has a LOT of vibrato
Oratorio
Large sacred composition for voice and orchestra
Recitative
Used in opera and oratorio, a style of delivery where a singer has a more natural rhythm of ordinary speech
Aria
Solo vocal piece, often in opera or oratorio
Chorus
Choir
Musical
Form of theatre with songs, dancing and acting
Symphony
Long composition for full orchestra, usually three or more movements
Concerto
Composition for solo instrument and orchestra
String quartet
2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello
Sonata
Composition that uses sonata form (exposition, development, recapitulation)
March (4)
2/4 or 4/4
Steady/regular beat/tempo/pulse
Triadic/fanfare like melodies
Walking pace
Waltz (4)
3/4
Lyrical melody
Boom chuk chuk rhythm
Fast
Minuet and trio (3)
3/4
Moderately fast
Regular phrases
