Keyboard Music

Question 1

What was the first example of notated keyboard music?

Answer 1

1325 from the Robertsbridge codex from the organ music of the church (Renaissance)

Question 2

What is idiomatic writing?

Answer 2

Writing music for a specific instrument based on its capabilities (Renaissance)

Question 3

When did idiomatic writings in instruments emerge?

Answer 3

17th century (Renaissance)

Question 4

What is the Fitzwilliam Virginal book?

Answer 4

A collection of English keyboard music from the early 17th century that included works from composers such as Thomas Morley and William Byrd (Renaissance)

Question 5

What is a virginal?

Answer 5

A generic term for all plucked keyboard instruments in England (usually smaller than a harpsichord) (Renaissance)

Question 6

What is a harpsichord?

Answer 6

A plucked keyboard instrument, usually quite large and having 2 manuals (sets of keys) (Renaissance)

Question 7

What is theme and variations?

Answer 7

A theme followed by variations to that theme including harmony, melody and rhythm (Renaissance)

Question 8

ALL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARMAN’S WHISTLE

Answer 8

Genre: Keyboard music
Form: Theme and 8 variations
Composer: William Byrd
Composition date: Before 1591
Meter: Compound duple
Mode: Ionian on C
Source: Fitzwilliam virginal book (Renaissance)

Question 9

Musical characteristics of the Carman’s Whistle (Theme and variations 2, 7, 8)

Answer 9

Theme: 2 voice imitative texture that shifts to chordal accompaniment
Variation 2: Chordal with syncopation
Variation 7: Rhythmic left hand to build up to final variation
Variation 8: Very active and chordal with the most polyphony and richness of music (Renaissance)