Modern Era General Terms

Question 1

Define <b> expanded tonality</b>

Answer 1

the use of extremely chromatic harmony while still maintaining allegiance to a tonal center

Question 2

Define <b>modal scales</b>

Answer 2

use of scales (modes) in which the pattern of whole steps and half steps is different from conventional major and minor scales (ex. Dorian, Lydian, Mixolydian)

common in music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance; rediscovered by 20th century composers

Question 3

Define <b>whole-tone scale</b>

Answer 3

a non-traditional scale employed by composers of late 19th-century and 20th century

consists of 6 different pitches, all spaced between whole tones, ex. C-D-E-F#-G#-A#-C

Question 4

Define <b>pentatonic scales</b>

Answer 4

a scale consisting of 5 different pitches ex. C-D-F-G-A

easily rendered by playing the 5 black keys on the piano

common in folk music of European and Asian culture

Question 5

Define <b>polytonality</b>

Answer 5

the simultaneous use of two or more tonal centres

Question 6

Define <b>atonality</b>

Answer 6

the total absence of any tonal center

characterized by unresolved dissonances

Question 7

Define <b>changing meter</b>

Answer 7

a shift of metrical groupings

manifested through changes of time signature

Question 8

Define <b>polyrhythm</b>

Answer 8

also called Cross-rhythm, the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in a musical composition

Rhythmic conflicts, or cross-rhythms, may occur within a single metre (e.g., two eighth notes against triplet eighths) or may be reinforced by simultaneous combinations of conflicting metres

Question 9

When was the Modern Period?

Answer 9

1900 - present