Higher Concepts

Question 1

Mode

Answer 1

This usually refers to any of the early scales (eg Dorian Mode) but can also be used more generally to refer to major mode or minor mode (in major or minor key).

Question 2

Modal

Answer 2

This term is used to describe music based on a mode, modes are used in jazz and pop music for improvisation.

Question 3

Obbligato

Answer 3

A prominent solo instrument part in a piece of vocal music.

Question 4

Acciaccatura

Answer 4

An ornament which sounds like a crushed note played very quickly either on or just before the beat.

Question 5

Mordent

Answer 5

An ornament which sounds the main note, the note above and then the main note again. (inverted mordents play the note, the note below, and the note again)

Question 6

Plagal Cadence

Answer 6

A cadence is formed by 2 chords at the end of the phrase. A plagal cadence is the subdominant to tonic chords (IV - I).

Question 7

Interrupted Cadence

Answer 7

This is usually formed by the chords V - VI.

Question 8

Tierce de Picardie

Answer 8

The final chord of a minor piece of music is changed to a major.

Question 9

Harmonic Minor Scale

Answer 9

A scale which shares the same key signature as its relative major but in which the 7th note is sharpened.

Question 10

Melodic Minor Scale

Answer 10

A scale which shares the same key signature as its relative major when ascending but sharpens the 6th and 7th notes and which shares the same key signature going down fully.

Question 11

Da capo aria

Answer 11

An aria in ternary form (ABA) used in opera and oratorio in the 17th and 18th centuries. The third section is not written, instead marked ‘Da Capo’ (from beginning) and A is repeated with ornamentation in the solo.

Question 12

Passacaglia

Answer 12

Variations over a ground bass.

Question 13

Concerto Grosso

Answer 13

A type of concerto in which a group of soloists (concertino) is combined and contrasted with a larger group (ripieno).

Question 14

Basso Continuo/Continuo

Answer 14

an accompanying part which includes a bass line and harmonies, typically played on a keyboard instrument and with other instruments such as cello or lute.

Question 15

Ritornello

Answer 15

A 17th century term for a brief introduction or interlude in a vocal composition.

Question 16

Tremolando

Answer 16

Trembling/quivering technique used on string instruments.

Question 17

Harmonics

Answer 17

The high eerie sounds produced on a bowed string instrument by lightly touching the string at certain points.

Question 18

Coloratura

Answer 18

High, florid singing involving scales runs and ornaments, often improvised but sometimes written.

Question 19

Ripieno

Answer 19

In baroque music, especially concerto grosso, the term means the main group of instrumentalists as opposed to the small, solo group.

Question 20

Concertino

Answer 20

The small solo group as opposed to the main group in baroque music.

Question 21

Sonata

Answer 21

A work for solo piano or a solo instrument accompanied by a piano in 3 or 4 movements.

Question 22

Oratorio

Answer 22

Usually a story from the Bible set to music for soloists, chorus and orchestra.

Question 23

Plainchant/Plainsong/Gregorian Chant

Answer 23

Unaccompanied melody set to words of the Roman Catholic liturgy, features include Latin text and polyphonic structure.

Question 24

Mass

Answer 24

In the Renaissance era the Mass was a sacred choral work using the 5 main sections of the Roman Catholic church liturgy.

Question 25

Recitative

Answer 25

A type of vocal writing where the music follows the rhythm of speech. It is used in operas and oratorios to move the story on.