Modern Music Concepts

Question 1

What is a cluster?

Answer 1

Chords made of notes played closely together which ‘clash’ when played.

Question 2

What is atonal?

Answer 2

When music is neither major or minor.

Question 3

What is a discord?

Answer 3

The musical term for ‘clashing’ is a discord. Often comes from notes a semitone or whole-tone apart being played together.

Question 4

What is the whole tone scale?

Answer 4

The whole tone scale only uses tones. It’s often described as having a dreamy or mysterious quality.

Question 5

What is a glissando?

Answer 5

an effect where you move from one note t another but pass through all the notes in between. It is similar to a pitch bend but spans a wider range of notes.

Question 6

What are cross rhythms?

Answer 6

When two or more instruments play different rhythmic patterns which overlap one another.

Question 7

What is flutter tonguing ?

Answer 7

A playing technique used on wind instruments, especially the flute or trumpet. This involves making a continuous rolled ‘r’ sound while blowing through the instrument.

Question 8

What is minimalist music?

Answer 8

It has the following features:
-simple harmony
-repetitive patterns with gradual changes
-steady rhythms but can feature cross rhythms
-long extended sections of one musical idea
-some non-standard composition structures.