Glossary Flashcards
Acoustic
The sense of hearing and sound
Arrangement
An adaptation of a composition for voices or instruments other than it was originally written
Classical
European tradition written music. Best in concert performance
Combo
A small group of instruments with varying combinations
Ensemble
A particular grouping of instruments
Extemporisation
A presentation made on the spot, with no preparation
Form
Arrangement of sound in an orderly manner
Atonal
Absence of tonality
Blue note
Slightly flatted note that fits in between other pitches
12-bar blues
3 sections - statement, repeat and response
32 bar song form
Statement, repeat, contrast, repeat
Dissonance
A simultaneous combination of tones that produces a somewhat unpleasing sound and the feeling of musical tension
Improvisation
Music composed for the moment at the moment; not prepared or written down beforehand
Jazz
A general term covering a number of different musical styles and time periods with an emphasis on complex rhythms improvisation and a heritage of afro-american music
Ragtime
A style of piano playing popular at the turn of the century with “ragged” syncopated melodies
Blues
A vocal style that developed originally from early slave music it uses a particular 12 bar form and blue, or slightly flatted, notes
Swing
Jazz style of the 1930s with an emphasis on a recognizable melody and danceable rhythm
Bebop
Jazz style at its height from 1945 to 1950. It emphasizes racing, nervous phrasing
Ostinato
A constantly repeated melody
After-beat
Notes emphasized on the second half of a beat
Polyrhythm
Two different rhythm patterns being played at the same time in the same meter but giving the feeling of two meters.
Vocal Blues Effect
Characteristic uses of the human voice by blues singers and adopted by instrumentalists trying to sound like a singer
