Musical Ensembles Flashcards
Chorus
Fairly large group of singers who perform together, usually with several on each part. Also a choral movement of a large-scale work. In jazz, a single statement of the melodic-harmonic pattern.
Choir
A group of singers who perform together, usually in parts, with several on each part; often associated with a church.
SATB
Abbreviation for the standard voices in a chorus or choir: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass; may also refer to instrumental ranges.
A Cappella
Choral music performed without instrumental accompaniment. “In the chapel”
Madrigal Choir
Small vocal ensemble that specializes in a cappella secular works.
Chamber Choir
Small group of up to about twenty-four singers, who usually perform a cappella or with piano accompaniment.
Chamber Music
Ensemble music for up to about ten players, with one player to a part.
String Quartet
Chamber music ensemble consisting of two violins, viola, and cello. Also a multimovement composition for this ensemble.
Duo Sonata
A chamber group comprised of a soloist with piano. Also, in the Baroque period, a sonata for a melody instrument and basso continuo.
Piano Trio
Standard chamber ensemble of piano with violin and cello.
Gamelan
Musical ensemble of Java or Bali, made up of gongs, chimes, metallophones, and drums, among other instruments.
Concert Band or Wind Ensemble
Instrumental ensemble ranging from forty to eighty members or more, consisting of wind and percussion instruments. Also wind ensemble.
Marching Band
Instrumental ensemble for entertainment at sports events and parades, consisting of wind and percussion instruments, drum majors/majorettes, and baton twirlers.
Jazz Band
Instrumental ensemble made up of reed (saxophones and clarinets), brass (trumpets and trombones), and rhythm sections (percussion, piano, double bass, and sometimes guitar).
Rock Band
Popular music ensemble that depends on amplified strings, percussion, and electronically generated sounds.
