Part 2 Vocabulary

Question 1

Renaissance

Answer 1

The period spanning the years 1450-1600 in European history.

Question 2

Imitative counterpoint

Answer 2

A type of polyphony which involves the passing of a motive from one voice to another, associated with Renaissance style.

Question 3

Points of imitation

Answer 3

In imitative counterpoint, a series of entries with a unifying theme. The motive is passed from one voice to another.

Question 4

Homorhythmic texture

Answer 4

All voices sing the same rhythm; chordal texture results

Question 5

Madrigal

Answer 5

Popular secular vocal genre based on a close relationahip between poetry and music; featured vivid word painting

Question 6

Word painting

Answer 6

Musical pictorialization; in vocal music, the music reflects the meaning of the text

Question 7

Nonsense syllables

Answer 7

A characteristic feature of the English madrigal: syllables with no meaning; e.g. “fa-la-la” or “nonny-no”

Question 8

Chromaticism

Answer 8

Melodies and harmonies that use any of the notes in the octave; outside of the key or mode of the piece

Question 9

Ballett

Answer 9

A 16th century English and Italian strophic song type generally in a simple dance-like style

Question 10

Variations

Answer 10

A work based on a simple melody (theme) followed by a series of transformations (variations)

Question 11

Harpsichord

Answer 11

A keyboard instrument that generated sound by plucking strings; often had two manuals (sets of keys)

Question 12

Virginal

Answer 12

A generic term used for all plucked keyboard instruments in England

Question 13

Idiomatic writing

Answer 13

Compositional style that highlights the unique capabilities of an instrument

Question 14

Franco-Flemish school

Answer 14

A group of composers from the Early Renaissance that mostly came from France, Belgium, and Holland; known for vocal polyphony and highly developed contrapuntal style