Glossary

Question 1

Define the term: Opèra-Bouffe

Answer 1

A French comic opera, with dialogue done recitative. Characters are drawn from everyday life.

Question 2

Define Recitative

Answer 2

Sung in the rhythm of ordinary speech with many words of the same note.

Question 3

Define Declamation; to declaim

Answer 3

To declaim is to utter of deliver words in a rhetorical or impassioned way, as if to an audience.

Question 4

Define Oratorio

Answer 4

A musical piece that is usually based on some biblical or religious event. Story is told through music. Not scenery, costume or action.

Question 5

Define Cultivated

Answer 5

Refined and well educated

Question 6

Define Placate

Answer 6

Make (someone) less angry or hostile

Question 7

Define Parody

Answer 7

An imitation of the style of a particular write, artist or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.

Question 8

Define Synthesis

Answer 8

A combination of components or elements to form a connected whole.

Question 9

Define Antecedents

Answer 9

A thing that existed before or logically precedes another.

Question 10

Define Romps

Answer 10

pedestrian term , to play roughly or energetically

Question 11

Define Proliferation

Answer 11

Rapid increase in the number or amount of something

Question 12

Define Librettist

Answer 12

A person who writes the text of an opera or other long vocal work. Now lyricists.

Question 13

Define ‘Low-brow’

Answer 13

Not highly intellectual or cultured.

Question 14

Define Posterity

Answer 14

All future generations of people

Question 15

Define Ducal

Answer 15

Like or relating to a drake or dukedom

Question 16

Define Precedent

Answer 16

An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

Question 17

Define ‘In a fit of pique’

Answer 17

A phrase used in the book. If someone does something in a fit of pique, they do it suddenly because they are annoyed at being not treated properly

Question 18

Define Sophisticated

Answer 18

Having, revealing or involving a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of a fashion and culture

Question 19

Define Ornamentation

Answer 19

A technique of ‘decorating’ or embellishing music/singing.

Question 20

Define Aristocracy

Answer 20

The highest class in certain societies, typically compromised of people of noble birth holding hereditary titles and offices.

Question 21

Define Commission

Answer 21

A promise to pay for a work before it has been created

Question 22

Define Pseudonym

Answer 22

A fictitious name, especially one used by another.

Question 23

Define Ephemeral

Answer 23

Lasting a very short time

Question 24

Define Fervent

Answer 24

Having or displaying a passionate intensity.

Question 25

Define Advocacy

Answer 25

Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.

Question 26

Define Superseded

Answer 26

To take place of a person or thing previously in authority or use.

Question 27

Define a Travesty

Answer 27

A false, absurd, or distorted representation of something.

Question 28

Define Satire

Answer 28

Use of humour, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose and criticise other’s ‘stupidity.’

Question 29

Define Stigma

Answer 29

Disapproval or disgrace with a particular circumstance, quality or person.
Example: “The stigma of prison will always be with me”

Question 30

Define Skimpy

Answer 30

(of clothes), short and revealing.

Question 31

Define a Paroxysm

Answer 31

A sudden attack or outburst of emotion or activity.

Question 32

Define Royalties

Answer 32

A % of profits delivered to copyright owners.

-> International copyright agreement

Question 33

Define Neologism

Answer 33

A newly coined word or expression

Question 34

Define a Repertory

Answer 34

The performance of various plays, operas or ballets. Another word for repertoire.

Question 35

Cakewalk

Answer 35

A feature of walk-arounds in minstrel shows, derived from plantation ‘challenge dance’ in which couples strutted around in imitation of higher power. Best mimics won a cake.

Question 36

Define a Charleston rhythm

Answer 36

A syncopated rhythm characterised from ‘The Charleston’ consisting of two-note pairs in which the second note anticipates the beat slightly each time.

Question 37

Define Chromaticism

Answer 37

The use of notes outside a major or minor scale, usually to create tension or exoticism.

Question 38

Define a concept album

Answer 38

A recording made of a show before it has been staged

Question 39

Define a concept musical

Answer 39

A show that is unified by a central idea rather than narrative plot.

Question 40

Define a countermelody

Answer 40

A second tune, or melody, designed to coordinate with a prior melody in non-imitative polyphony.