(Glossary) Terms Flashcards
Define:
Measure
A metrical unit containing a fixed number of beats; separated on the staff by bar lines
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Meter
Fixed patterns of strong and weak beats
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Simple Time
Time signatures where each beat contains two subdivisions
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Compound Time
Time signatures where each beat contains three subdivisions
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Syncopation
A deliberate shifting of the musical accent to a weak beat
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Anacrusis (2)
An upbeat into a phrase
The last portion of a measure anticipating the downbeat
What is an anacrusis also called?
A pickup
What is rhythm?
The rhythmic pulse
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Pitch
The highness or lowness of a particular sound
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Range
The distance between the highest and lowest notes in a melody
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Interval
The distance between any two pitches
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Conjunct
Melodies that contain mostly stepwise direction
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Disjunct
Melodies that contain many leaps and changes in direction
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Motive
A short melodic or rhythmic fragment used to build a melody
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Phrase
A unit of melody that comprises a complete musical thought, much like a sentence
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Period
A basic building block that is used to create larger forms
How many measures long is a period, generally?
Eight measures long
How many phrases is a period comprised of, generally?
Two phrases
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Sequence
Repetition of a short musical phrase at another pitch
What is a melody?
The main musical composition
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Chord
A combination of three or more pitches that create a unit of harmony
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Triad
A three-note chord that consists of a root, third, and fifth
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Diatonic
Melodies/harmonies built from the notes of a major or minor scale
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Chromatic
Melodies/harmonies that include notes outside the key or mode
What word does “chromatic” come from?
“Khroma”, Greek for “colour”
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Consonance
An agreeable combination of tones that provides a sense of relaxation and stability
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Dissonance
A combination of tones that sounds discordant, thus creating restlessness and a sense of instability
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Harmonic Rhythm
The rate (frequency) or chord changes
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Cadence
A specific combination of chords that provide moments of rest at the ends of phrases
What represents a cadence in grammar?
Punctuation
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Modulation
The process of changing from one tonal centre to another, with or without a change of key signature
What is harmony?
The musical content that supports the melody and provides context
Define:
Binary Form
A two-part form: A || B ||
True or False:
Both parts do not repeat in binary form
False, both parts repeat in binary form
In binary form:
Section A generally ends with an ____ cadence in the ________ or relative _____ key
Open
Dominant
Major
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Rounded Binary Form
A two-part form: A || B + A1 ||
What is the key difference between rounded binary form and binary form?
Rounded binary form: Opening material from section A returns after B material
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Ternary Form
A three-part form: A || B || A ||
In ternary form:
Section A generally ends with a ______ cadence in the _____ key
Closed
Tonic
In ternary form:
Section B generally creates contrast in ___ and/or ________
Key
Material
How does Section A generally end in ternary form?
With a closed cadence in the tonic key
How does Section A generally end in binary form?
With an open cadence in the dominant or relative major key
Where is ternary form often used? (3)
Baroque arias
Classical menuet and trio movements
What is form?
The overall shape and design of a musical composition
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Monophonic Texture
A single line of unaccompanied melody
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Polyphonic Texture
A combination of two or more melodic lines
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Homophonic Texture
A single line of melody supported by a harmonic accompaniment
What is texture?
The way melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements are woven together within a musical composition
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Dynamics
The levels of volume in music
What are dynamics indicated by?
Traditionally indicated by Italian terms or symbols
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Timbre
Tone colour, the quality of sound specific to a voice or instrument
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Idiomatic Writing
Highlights the unique technical capabilities of an instrument in the style of writing
What is the opposite of idiomatic writing?
Generic
When was idiomatic writing developed?
In the Baroque Era
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Tempo
The speed at which music is performed
How is tempo indicated?
Traditionally with Italian terms