General Theory

Question 1

Passing Notes.

Answer 1

A passing note is a note that doesn’t belong to the chord.

Question 2

Chord tone.

Answer 2

A chord tone is a note from the chord of that bar (1, 3, 5).

Question 3

Perfect cadence.

Answer 3

Chord V - Chord I (sounds finished)

Question 4

Plagal Cadence.

Answer 4

Chord progression that ends on the subdominant chord (IV) followed by the tonic chord (I). It is often referred to as the “Amen” cadence due to its common use in hymns and other religious music to conclude a phrase or section.

Question 5

Scalic Rus.

Answer 5

When a short phrase is repeated going one note higher each time (notes going up and down a scale).

Question 6

Sequence.

Answer 6

Restatement of a motif or longer melodic (or harmonic) passage at a higher or lower pitch in the same voice.

Question 7

Strophic Structure.

Answer 7

Songs that repeat the same basic multi-phrase unit throughout (verse repeating form).

Question 8

Refrain.

Answer 8

Line(s) that are repeated in music, the “chorus” of a song.
- A repeating line or verse used throughout a song, often with an accompanying melody particular to that line/verse.

Question 9

Ostinato.

Answer 9

Continually repeated phrase/rhythm.

Question 10

Balancing Phrase Length

Answer 10

Equal lengths, usually 2-4 bars long.

Question 11

Binary Form (AB).

Answer 11

Each section is repeated (look out for any repeat signs in the sheet music).

Question 12

Instruments in a string quartet.

Answer 12

1. Violin 1
2. Violin 2
3. Viola
4. Cello

Question 13

What is chamber music?

Answer 13

Instrumental music played by a small ensemble, with one player to a part, the most important form being the string quartet.

Question 14

Rules of classical chamber music:

Answer 14

1. No words
2. Roles are not so clearly defined as they often change from moment to moment (musical conversation).

Question 15

2 main ways string instruments can be played.

Answer 15

1. Acro: Bowed
2. Pizzicato: Plucked

Question 16

3. 5 bowing techniques.

Answer 16

1. Sul Ponticello
2. Sul Tasto
3. Tremolo
4. Col Legno
5. Ricochet bowing

Question 17

What is Sul Ponticello?

Answer 17

Playing near the bridge. Makes a harsh, metallic, scrappy, eerie type sound.

Question 18

What is Sul Tasto?

Answer 18

Playing near the fingerboard. Makes a muffled, flute-like, airy and delicate sound.

Question 19

What is tremolo?

Answer 19

Rapid movements to create fast repeated notes. Useful for suspenseful moments.

Question 20

What is Col Legno?

Answer 20

Playing with the back of the bow. Dry, airy sound that adds a completely new dimension of sound.

Question 21

What is Ricochet bowing?

Answer 21

Bouncing stoke in which several notes are played in the same bow direction.

Question 22

What is double-stopping?

Answer 22

Playing 2 or more notes at once.

Question 23

What are the best intervals for double stopping?

Answer 23

1. Thirds
2. Sixths
3. Octaves

Question 24

What to consider when using double-stopping in a composition.

Answer 24

1. Make sure double stops are on different strings.
2. Not all combinations work.

Question 25

What is the most common type of texture used in string quartets?

Answer 25

Homophonic: the melody is shared between the strings.

Question 26

What is polyphonic texture?

Answer 26

2 or more independent melodic lines.

Question 27

What is fugue?

Answer 27

A fugue is a piece of music featuring a main idea that is repeated or layered with other voices or instruments.

Question 28

Ways interest can be created using different textures and combinations of instruments when composing for a string quartet.

Answer 28

1. Don’t have all instruments playing at once.
2. Pairing instruments.

Question 29

What is a cut common time signature?

Answer 29

A 4/4 time signature that’s been rhythmically cut to manipulate rhythm and/or tempo. This can be written as 2/2 or c-shaped symbol with a vertical line through it.