Grade 8 Theory Flashcards
1
Q
agitato
A
agitated
2
Q
El grillo meaning
A
The Cricket title
3
Q
adagio
A
slow
4
Q
Ordo Virtutum performing forces
A
Female voice - Soul and 16 Virtues, spoken male part (Devil), various instruments for improvised accompaniment
5
Q
Harmonic rhythm
A
Rate of chord changes
6
Q
leggiero
A
light, nimble, quick
7
Q
grave
A
slow and solemn
8
Q
primo, prima
A
first; the upper part of a duet
9
Q
Phrase
A
A unit of musical thought, much like a sentence in writing
10
Q
non
A
not
11
Q
mano destra, m.d.
A
right hand
12
Q
Sumer is Icumen In performing forces
A
Six voices as performing forces
13
Q
semplice
A
simple
14
Q
Alberti bass pattern
A
A broken chord arranged in a root-fifth-third-fifth pattern
15
Q
piano, p
A
soft
16
Q
vivace
A
lively, brisk
17
Q
moderato
A
at a moderate tempo
18
Q
Dripsody duration
A
1’ 28”
19
Q
meno mosso
A
less movement, slower
20
Q
Tempo primo (Tempo I)
A
return to the original tempo
21
Q
Enharmonic equivalent major keys
A
Db/C#, Gb/F#, Cb/B (5 or more sharps or flats)
22
Q
sehr
A
very
23
Q
presto
A
very fast
24
Q
D.C. al Fine
A
repeat from the beginning and end at Fine
25
Plainchant
A sacred genre representing the earliest form of notated Western art music. Consists of a monophonic modal melody with unmeasured rhythm and Latin text.
26
Oblique motion
Occurs when one voice remains stationary and the other moves
27
Metallophones
Instruments featuring metal bars of different sizes that are struck with a variety of mallets. Produce a shimmering bell-like sound.
28
prestissimo
as fast as possible
29
legato
smooth
30
tre corde
three strings; release the left pedal (on the piano)
31
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K 525 tempo
Sonata in allegro
32
martellato
strongly accented, hammered
33
Non-chord tones
Decorative notes in a melody that do not belong to the chords.
34
Sumer is Icumen In meaning
Summer Is Coming meaning
35
Chromaticism
Extensive use of notes outside of the key signature, creates harmonic dissonance and tension
36
El grillo texture
Example of polyphonic texture with frequent homorhythmic passages
37
andante
moderately slow; at a walking pace
38
scherzando
playful
39
The Revolutionary Etude tempo
Etude with tempo of allegro con fuoco
40
Sumer is Icumen In texture
Example of notated polyphony (polyphonic)
41
Igor Stravinsky lifetime
1882 - 1971
42
Ordo Virtutum summary
Empowered by faith, the Virtues engage in a battle with the Devil to win over the Soul
43
Parallel motion
Occurs when two voices move in the same direction maintaining the same intervallic relationship
44
allargando, allarga.
broadening, becoming slower
45
Morality play
A genre created in the Middle Ages combining drama and music. Used allegorical characters to teach lessons and portray desirable behaviours.
46
Cadence
A progression of two or more chords that serve as punctuation
47
rallentando, rall.
slowing down
48
senza
without
49
Major pentatonic scale
Five pitches, major scale without 4 and 7
50
Parallel keys
Major and minor keys that share the same tonic
51
spiritoso
spirited
52
Modes
Scale patterns with distinct relationships of whole steps and half steps. Served as the source of melody and harmony in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
53
Composer of Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream
Felix Mendelssohn
54
arco
on a bowed string instrument, resume bowing after a pizzicato passage
55
una corda
one string; depress the left pedal (on the piano)
56
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K 525 composer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
57
Concert pitch
The pitch that is actually produced by a transposing instrument. Also called the "sounding pitch."
58
Ordo Virtutum genre
Example of morality play
59
poco a poco
little by little
60
alla, all'
in the manner of
61
Syncopation
Syncopation involves a variety of rhythms which are in some way unexpected which make part or all of a tune or piece of music off-beat. Occurs when the pattern of strong and weak beats in a measure is altered, and the accent is shifted from the strong beat to the weak beat.
62
Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream Development
Theme 1 dominates, punctuated by ominous notes from the bass
63
Composer of Invention in C Major
Johann Sebastian Bach composed this invention
64
ritardando, rit.
slowing down gradually
65
cédez
yield; hold the tempo back
66
Medieval Era
ca 476 - 1450
67
Coda
A concluding section
68
Sumer is Icumen In genre
Has vocal works in the form of a round
69
Sitar
A multi-stringed plucked instrument with movable frets; similar to a lute or guitar. Five strings are used to play melodies, while two strings are used for drone and percussive effects.
70
Ordo Virtutum texture
Example of monophonic texture
71
poco
little
72
decrescendo, decresc.
becoming softer
73
con moto
with motion
74
Diminished triads
Created by contracting the perfect fifth in a minor triad to a diminished fifth
75
Chromatic pitches
Notes in a melody that are outside of the major or minor keys in which the melody is written. Also called colour accidentals.
76
dal segno, D.S.
from the sign
77
French horn transposition
Down a perfect fifth
78
Koko key
Example of blues in E flat minor
79
Chromatic scale
Based on half steps
80
Hildegard von Bingen
Composer of Ordo Virtutum (Play of Virtues)
81
Chopin lifetime
1810 - 1849
82
larghetto
fairly slow, but not as slow as largo
83
Development/Departure
Middle section of sonata form. Themes are developed; this often involves a departure to different keys.
84
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 genre
Example of a concerto grosso
85
tutti
a passage for the ensemble
86
Short score
Used to condense an open score from four staves to two. Especially useful to facilitate playing all four parts on the keyboard.
87
Polonaise
Polish nationalist genre
88
a cappella
Literally means "for the chapel," but refers to vocal music without instrumental accompaniment. Typical of Renaissance vocal music.
89
mezzo forte, mf
moderately loud
90
Composer of Petrushka
Igor Stravinsky's ballet
91
Invention in C Major texture
Has polyphonic texture with imitative counterpoint
92
El grillo genre
Example of a frottola
93
comodo, commodo
at a comfortable, easy tempo
94
modéré
at a moderate tempo
95
Octatonic scale
Based on a consistent alteration of half and whole steps
96
Half cadence
A cadence that ends on the dominant triad - sounds incomplete or open
97
Classical Era
ca 1750 - 1825
98
pianissimo, pp
very soft
99
marcato
marked or stressed
100
anacrusis
The note or notes in the incomplete measure to start a piece. Also called the pickup. The time is subtracted from the last measure. The first measure plus the last measure.
101
Koko structure
Has an introduction, seven jazz choruses, and a coda
102
Romantic Era
ca 1825 - 1900
103
Triad
A set of three notes separated by thirds
104
Twelve-bar blues
Musical structure used in jazz, consisting of three four-measure phrases, based on a standard chord progression
105
andantino
a little faster than andante
106
Whole-tone scale
Based on whole steps
107
Invention in C Major genre
Example of a solo keyboard work
108
ritenuto, riten.
suddenly slower, held back
109
Invention in C Major performing forces
Originally for harpsichord or clavichord, now performed on piano
110
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K 525 key
Sonata in G Major
111
Diatonic intervals
The upper notes belong to the major key of the lower note. Intervals built above the tonic note of a major key
112
grandioso
grand, grandiose
113
Electronic music
Music created by electronic means using devices such as tape recorders, synthesizers, and computers
114
tacet
be silent
115
Ostinato
A motif or phrase that persistently repeats in the same musical voice, usually at the same pitch. A recurring rhythmic or melodic pattern.
116
Example of Javanese Gamelan
Kaboran (Gamelan Prawa)
117
Tanpura
The tanpura (or tambura, tanpuri) is a long-necked plucked string instrument found in various forms in Indian music; it does not play melody but rather supports and sustains the melody of another instrument or singer by providing a continuous harmonic bourdon or drone.
118
Minor pentatonic scale
Five pitches, natural minor scale without 2 and 6
119
Keyboard style
Each chord is written in the treble clef in close position, to be played by the right hand. The notes in the bass clef are played by the left hand.
120
Quartal chord
Chord built on a series of 4ths
121
vite
fast
122
a tempo
return to the original tempo
123
molto
much, very
124
accent
a stressed note
125
Jazz
Largely improvised style, featuring syncopation, blues scale, and blue notes
126
rubato
with some freedom of tempo to enhance musical expression
127
The Revolutionary Etude other name
The Etude in C Minor, op. 10, no. 12 other name
128
ottava, 8va
the interval of an octave
129
cantabile
in a singing style
130
Frottola
A popular secular polyphonic vocal genre developed in Italy in the 15th century. Based on playful poems and lighthearted word painting.
131
Koko composer
Duke Ellington composed this
132
Clarinet transposition
Down a major second
133
common time
4/4/ time, C symbol
134
diminuendo, dim.
becoming softer
135
allegretto
fairly fast (a little slower than allegro)
136
ma
but (for example, ma non troppo: but not too much)
137
Rondo form
Formal structure developed in the Classical era, main section (A) alternates with contrasting sections (e.g., ABACA)
138
troppo
too much
139
fine
the end
140
Cluster chord
Chord consisting of a combination of at least three adjacent notes of any scale
141
sotto voce
soft, subdued, under the breath
142
Sonata form
The most important musical form invented in the Classical era. Consists of three scenarios: exposition, development, and recapitulation. May be understood as a musical journey, consisting of statement, departure, and return
143
Symmetrical scales
Chromatic, whole-tone, and octatonic. Often used in fragments rather than in complete scales.
144
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 tempo
Concerto grosso in allegro time
145
calando
becoming slower and softer
146
giocoso
humorous, jocose
147
mano sinistra, m.s.
left hand
148
risoluto
resolute
149
Mendelssohn lifetime
1809 - 1847
150
dolce
sweet, gentle
151
animato
lively, animated
152
con
with
153
Mozart lifetime
1756 - 1792
154
Ritornello form
A form often used in the first and third movements of a concerto grosso. The opening passage (ritornello or "refrain") is repeated throughout the movement.
155
accelerando, accel.
becoming quicker
156
mit Ausdruck
with expression
157
Compound interval
Interval wider than an octave. Can be either melodic or harmonic, within a single staff or between staves.
158
English horn transposition
Down a perfect fifth
159
Form
The overall structure or framework of a composition
160
Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream key
Concert overture in E Major
161
Concert overture
A category of program music, usually in sonata form
162
mesto
sad, mournful
163
tenuto
held, sustained
164
attacca
proceed without a break
165
quasi
almost, as if
166
col, coll', colla, colle
with (for example, coll'ottava: with an added octave)
167
Composer of El grillo
Josquin des Prez, Franco-Flemish
168
secondo, seconda
second; second or lower part of a duet
169
Dominant 7th chord
Consists of a major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above the root
170
langsam
slow, slowly
171
Polyphonic / contrapuntal texture (or counterpoint)
The combination of two or more independent melodic lines.
172
schnell
fast
173
allegro
fast
174
volta
time (for example, prima volta: first time; seconda volta: second time)
175
bewegt
moving
176
El grillo performing forces
Four voices as performing forces
177
Program music
Instrumental music with associations with literature, visual arts, nature, historical events
178
Trumpet transposition
Down a major second
179
Hurdy-gurdy
Hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument that produces sound by a crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings.
180
Open position
When triads are written with the notes spread out, either within a single staff or on the grand staff, this is called open position
181
Authentic cadence
The progression of V-I, which ends on the tonic and sounds final.
182
Etude
French word for study, focuses on technical skill of the performer, highlighting specific skills
183
tranquillo
quiet, tranquil
184
Josquin des Prez lifetime
1440 - 1521
185
Dripsody performing forces
Uses recorded sound of dripping water
186
mässig
moderate, moderately
187
con pedale, con ped.
with pedal
188
con fuoco
with fire
189
ad libitum, ad lib.
at the liberty of the performer
190
Raga
Literally means "color" or "atmosphere"; provides melodic structure of a composition or performance. A pattern of pitches defined by the number of notes it contains as well as the pattern of intervals. Used as a basis of extended improvisation.
191
Invention in C Major compositional devices
Invention based on a seven-note motive, treated using imitation, inversion, transposition, and sequence
192
tonic major and tonic minor
A major scale and a minor scale that have the same tonic
193
con grazia
with grace
194
loco
return to the normal register
195
assai
much, very much (for example, allegro assai: very fast)
196
Petrushka form
Example of rondo form (ABACABA)
197
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K 525 performing forces
Uses two violins, viola, cello, and optional double bass; often performed by a small string orchestra
198
M.M.
metronome marking (Maelzel's Metronome)
199
Polychords
Combination of two or more different chords simultaneously to create a dissonant sound.
200
Augmented triads
Created by expanding the perfect fifth in a major triad to an augmented fifth
201
Petrushka performing forces
Example of a large orchestra with expanded percussion including piano
202
Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream performing forces
Uses symphony orchestra
203
Homophonic texture
A singe line of melody supported by a harmonic accompaniment
204
l'istesso tempo
the same tempo
205
ben, bene
well (for example, ben marcato: well marked)
206
Tritone
Strictly defined as a musical interval composed of three adjacent whole tones.
207
Senza misura
Without measure
208
Petrushka Chord
A polychord consisting of a C major and F# major triad, used by Stravinsky
209
appassionato
Impassioned; with passion or strong feeling
210
stringendo
pressing, becoming faster
211
sostenuto
sustained
212
Similar motion
Occurs when two voices move in the same direction but with different interval relationships
213
Diatonic scales
Major and minor scales, contain only notes that belong to the scale
214
forte, f
loud
215
Motive
A short melodic or rhythmic fragment used to build a melody
216
più
more
217
Circle of fifths
Relates keys by fifths
218
The Revolutionary Etude composer
Frederic Chopin
219
Transposing instrument
An orchestral instrument that is notated in keys other than the sound that is actually produced.
220
Cadenza
A solo passage, in an improvisatory style, demonstrating the virtuosity of the performer.
221
Open score
Each instrumental or vocal part is written on its own staff
222
Tala
Literally means "clap"; provides rhythmic structure for a composition or performance. A metric cycle or regularly repeating rhythmic phrase that can include from three to over one hundred rhythmic units. Often expressed by percussion instruments such as the tabla (pair of drums).
223
Baroque Era
ca 1600 - 1750
224
maestoso
majestic
225
mezzo piano, mp
moderately soft
226
a tempo
return to the original tempo
227
Dripsody genre
Example of electron music
228
sopra
above
229
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K 525 genre
Chamber music
230
Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream form
Overture in sonata form
231
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 performing forces
Uses concertino consisting of harpsichord, violin, flute; ripieno consisting of string orchestra
232
staccato
detached
233
Imitation
Repetition of the same motive, in another voice (or part)
234
lento
slow
235
Raga themes
Expresses emotions, concepts (e.g., heroism), seasonal celebrations, and times of day and night
236
più mosso
more movement (quicker)
237
Melodic interval
When the notes of an interval are played one after the other
238
Exposition/Statement
First section of sonata form. The main themes are stated; this often consists of two contrasting themes.
239
pesante
weighty, with emphasis
240
Hildegard von Bingen lifetime
1098 - 1172
241
Blues scale
Six pitches - minor pentatonic scale plus either a raised 4 or a lowered 5
242
Ordo Virtutum vocal form
Example of plainchant
243
crescendo, cresc.
becoming louder
244
Dripsody composer
Hugh LeCaine composed this
245
fortepiano, fp
loud, then suddenly soft
246
Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream genre
Example of concert overture
247
Petrushka summary
The story of a puppet who is brought to life by the magician who created him
248
cut time
2/2 time, also called alla breve, C with vertical line through
249
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 structure
Example of ritornello form
250
Inversion
Repeating a motive upside down
251
Duke Ellington lifetime
1899-1974
252
Gamelan
A traditional Javanese instrumental ensemble. Features metallophones, gongs, xylophones (instruments with wooden bars), drums and voices
253
quindicesima alta, 15ma
two octaves higher
254
The Revolutionary Etude key
Example etude in C Minor
255
Modern Era
ca 1900 - Present
256
Rota
Old English word for "round". Strict imitation is created through successive entries of a melody in several voices
257
con brio
with vigor, spirit
258
sempre
always, continuously
259
pedale, ped.
pedal
260
Concerto grosso
Baroque orchestral work. Usually in three movements (fast-slow-fast). A group of solo instruments (concertino) is contrasted with a full string orchestra (ripieno)
261
simile
continue in the same manner as has just been indicated
262
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 key
Concerto grosso in D Major
263
brillante
brilliant
264
Koko performing forces
Uses Big Band orchestra, including brass (trumpets, trombones), reeds (clarinets, saxophones), and rhythm section (drums, double bass, guitar, piano)
265
tempo
speed at which music is performed
266
Chamber music
Music for a small ensemble (two to ten players) with one player per part. Usually performed without a conductor.
267
Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream Exposition
Multiple themes in Exposition, different keys
268
Enharmonic equivalent minor keys
Bb/A#, Eb/D#, Ab/G# (5 or more sharps or flats)
269
léger
light, lightly
270
Ledger lines
Small lines used to extend the range of the staff. Used for notes that are above or below the five lines of the treble and bass staves.
271
Nationalism
Patriotism expressed through music
272
grazioso
graceful
273
Keyboard style
Each chord is written in the treble clef in close position, to be played by the right hand. The notes in the bass clef are played by the left hand.
274
Example of Raga
Evening Raga: Bhopali
275
vivo
lively
276
Neighbour tones
Non-chord tones are notes that are adjacent to chord tones. Melody goes from a chord tone to a neighbour tone and then back to the same chord tone. Labelled "nt."
277
Close position
When triads are written with the three notes as close together as possible
278
da capo, D.C.
from the beginning
279
enharmonic change
when the name of a note is changed without a change in pitch
280
Harmonic interval
When the notes of an interval are played at the same time
281
Homorhythmic texture
All voices have the same rhythmic pattern, creating blocked chordal style. Text is very clear and easy to follow as a result.
282
Monophonic texture
A single line of unaccompanied melody
283
dolente
sad
284
Invention
A keyboard composition, in polyphonic texture. Based on imitation.
285
non troppo
not too much
286
Musique concrete
Early form of electronic where natural sounds were recorded on magnetic tape and then manipulated
287
Overture to a Midsummer Night's Dream Recapitulation
Magical opening chords return
288
largo
very slow
289
e, ed
and
290
Polytonality
Two or more keys sounding simultaneously, creating dissonance
291
Passing tones
Non-chord tones that fill in the skips between notes that belong to the chords. All of these passing tones fall on the weak parts, or subdivisions, of the beat. Labelled "pt."
292
Sumer is Icumen In composer
Anonymous composer of vocal work
293
con espressione
with expression
294
sonore
sonorous
295
espressivo, express.
expressive, with expression
296
Chromatic intervals
Intervals that have been altered with accidentals from outside of the major key of which the bottom note is the tonic
297
Period
A period consists of two phrases, of four measures each. E.g., a question-answer phrase pair.
298
con sordino
with mute
299
Ripieno
The body of instruments accompanying the concertino in Baroque concerto music. They blend in with the orchestra rather than standing out.
300
Composer of Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
Johann Sebastian Bach composed this concerto
301
morendo
dying, fading away
302
Sumer is Icumen In form
Example of a rota, or round
303
LeCaine lifetime
1914-1977
304
lentement
slowly
305
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K 525 form
Example of a sonata
306
sforzando, sf, sfz
sudden strong accent of a single note or chord
307
Con forza
With force
308
Renaissance Era
ca 1450 - 1600
309
Sequence
A motive or phrase that is repeated at a higher or lower pitch in the same voice
310
pizzicato
on a bowed string instrument, pluck the string instead of bowing
311
fortissimo, ff
very loud
312
largamente
broadly
313
mouvement
tempo, motion
314
Tritone
The diminished fifth interval and the augmented fourth (enharmonic equivalents) are referred to as the tritone. Consists of three whole tones. Most dissonant interval in the tonal vocabulary. Referred to in the Middle Ages as the diabolus in musica or "devil in music."
315
Binary form
A design in which there are two clearly defined parts or sections. These sections are often repeated. Uppercase letters - A and B - are used to label these larger sections within a piece of music. Often unfold within a sixteen-measure structure.
316
relative keys
major and minor keys with the same number of sharps or flats
317
volti subito, v.s.
turn the page quickly
318
Javanese Gamelan influenced....
Claude Debussy was influenced by.... (in his solo piano piece "Pagodes")
319
Recapitulation/Return
Third and final section of sonata form. The return of main themes stated in the exposition.
320
Petrushka genre
Ballet example
321
Enharmonic equivalents
Notes that sound the same, but are spelled differently
322
Koko genre
Example of twelve-bar blues
323
meno
less
324
Contrary motion
Occurs when two voices move in the opposite direction
325
subito
suddenly
326
Word painting
Musical pictorialization. The music mirrors the meaning of the words through melody, harmony, and rhythm.
327
Jazz chorus
One full statement of the twelve-bar blues structure. Repetitions feature different soloists.
