Renaissance vocabulary Flashcards
In what genres is word painting used?
madrigals, operas, oratorios
[p. 52]
What aspects of a theme can be changed to create variations?
- melody
- harmony
- rhythm
[p. 59]
Define ‘idiomatic writing’
compositional style that highlights the unique technical capabilities of an instrument
opposite of “generic”
[p. 59]
Define ‘homorhythmic texture’
in a multi-voiced composition, all voices sing in the same rhythm
a chordal (homophonic) texture results
the listener’s attention is drawn to the top voice
[p. 41]
Define ‘ballett’
16th-century Italian and English strophic song type
[p. 52]
Define ‘chromaticism’
melodies and harmonies that include any of the notes available within the octave, in either tonal or modal context
[p. 52]
When did idiomatic writing develop?
late Renaissance and Baroque eras
[p. 59]
What is characteristic of the Renaissance era?
time of continued change and development in musical style
[p. 39]
Define ‘variations’
a work based on the statement of a melody (theme) followed by a series of transformations (variations)
[p. 59]
Define ‘word painting’
music pictorialization
in vocal works, the music reflects the meaning of the text
[p. 52]
Define ‘virginal’
a generic term used for all plucked keyboard instruments in England
generally smaller and lighter than the harpsichord
[p. 59]
Define ‘madrigal’ and name its characteristics.
a popular secular vocal genre that flourished in the 16th century
based on an intimate relationship between poetry and music
featured vivid word painting
[p. 52]
What is the origin of the term ‘Renaissance?’
French for “rebirth”
[p. 39]
What are the 3 primary characteristics of a ballett?
- generally in simple, dancelike style
- often included “fa-la-la” refrains
- embraced by English madrigalists
[p. 52]
What is the origin of the term ‘chromaticism?’
Greek khroma (color)
[p. 52]
