Module A/B terms Flashcards
melody
the “linear” aspect of music, the tune
phrase
a musical sentence or clause
cadence
the pause at the end of a musical phrase
contour
aspect of a melody that describes if the melody is smooth or jagged
range
aspect of a melody that describes if it is narrow or wide
theme
a tune, usually several phrases, that serves as the basis of a whole piece or part of a piece
motive
a short, repetitive melodic-rhythmic fragment used to make longer melodies
rhythm
the time or temporal aspect of music
meter
aspect of rhythm that groups beats into 2s, 3s, 4s, etc.
tempo
the speed of the beat (fast or slow)
accelerando
Italian- to speed up
ritardando
Italian- to slow down
harmony
the “vertical” aspect of music
chords
aspect of harmony; two or more notes heard simultaneously as a unit
dissonance
harmonic tension
consonance
harmonic relaxation/ repose
harmonic “progression”
the logical flow of chords from one to another
timbre
the unique character or identifying quality of a sound
dynamics
aspect of timbre which expresses the degree of loudness
crescendo
Italian- to grow louder (timbre)
decrescendo
Italian- to grow softer (timbre)
texture
the layering and interweaving of melodies and accompaniments
monophonic texture
aspect of texture that refers to a single line of melody
polyphonic texture
aspect of texture that refers to two or more simultaneous melodies
homophonic texture
aspect of texture that refers to either melody with accompaniment or the use of chords
form
the plan, organization, architecture of a piece
outer form
the objective features of the music’s organization
inner from
the organization of subjective experiences, tension/resolution
expression
the aesthetic meanings of the music
WEAM
Western European Art Music
absolute music
music that has no words, descriptive title, or any hint from the composer as to what the music as about
programmatic music
music that has no words, but has a descriptive title or notes describing what it is about
Early Music
music from the Middle Ages or Renaissance
Middle Ages
era of music from c. 600-1450
Renaissance
era of music from c. 1450-1600
Baroque Period
era of music from c. 1600-1750
Classical Era
era of music from c. 1750-1827
Romantic Era
era of music from c. 1825-1900
20th Century Era
era of music from c. 1900- now
word painting
when the music reflects the meaning of the words of the song
word declamation
when the words of a song are audible and syllables are stressed as if they are being spoken (strong/weak syllables)
theme and variations form
type of form in which there are variations on a specific theme
movement
piece of a selection of music that is like a chapter of a book or act in a play
concerto
piece of music with a soloist and full orchestra alternating
virtuoso
“super professional”
ritornello
part of a form in which the orchestra plays, followed by soloists
duality
refers to a piece that is very complex and polyphonic, but is also structured and methodical
string quartet
group of four instruments that typically played in the Classical era (2 violins, viola, and cello)
chamber music
type of music in the Classical era in which each player had their own independent part
avant-garde
quality of being modern or experimental
