Key Words music

Question 1

Acciaccatura

Answer 1

A very short ornamented note played before a principal melodic note

Question 2

Additive rhythm

Answer 2

where a bar has beats of unequal length, or where unequal short rhythmic sets are grouped together to form a longer rhythmic pattern

Question 3

Aeolian mode

Answer 3

A scale that uses the following pattern of tones and semitones T_S_T_T_S_T_T
When starting on A, uses all white notes within an octave

Question 4

Alap

Answer 4

The opening section of a piece of Indian classical music, usually with melodic improvisation and free rhythm developing into a rag

Question 5

Alberti bass

Answer 5

A particular type of broken chord pattern often found in classical keyboard music with three pitches heard in the order low, high, middle, high e.g. C_G_E_G

Question 6

Aleatoric

Answer 6

Music that contains an element of chance or choice on the part of the performer, meaning that its exact course cannot be predicted until it is performed. Music of this kind can also be called ‘indeterminate’

Question 7

Anacrusis

Answer 7

Note or notes preceding the first beat of a piece or phrase

Question 8

Angular

Answer 8

When applied to melody, the presence of wide leaps.

Question 9

Anthem

Answer 9

a type of church music for choir, often accompanied by organ, and occasionally by larger forces. An anthem usually has English words (often from the bible)

Question 10

Antiphony

Answer 10

Performance by different singers/instrumentalists in alteration. Often - but not always- the different groups perform similar material