Score Reading Flashcards
What does a music score show?
The music for all the instruments needed in a piece of music.
Where are the names of the instruments always written on a score?
Down the left hand side of the page.
Name the order of instruments on the score.
Woodwind, brass, percussion, piano/organ/harp or any non-orchestral instrument, strings.
Within each family of instruments, how are they organised?
By pitch, with the highest put first and others down to the lowest.
Where is the speed always written on a score?
At the beginning in the top left corner.
What language do musicians use for speed and volume markings?
Italian.
When did musicians start using the Italian language on the score?
In the 17th century.
Why did musicians start using the Italian language on the score?
Many Europeans musicians were trained in Italy.
What is the tempo marking for ‘very fast’?
Presto.
What does the term ‘allegro’ mean?
Fast.
What is the tempo marking for ‘moderate speed’?
Moderato.
What does the term ‘andante’ mean?
Walking pace.
What is the tempo marking for ‘slow’?
Largo.
What is the abbreviation and meaning for ‘fortissimo’?
Very loud - ‘ff’
What is the term and abbreviation for ‘loud’?
Forte - ‘f’
What is the term and meaning for ‘mf’?
Mezzo-forte, moderately loud
What is the abbreviation and meaning for ‘mezzo-piano’?
Moderately soft - ‘mp’
What is the term and abbreviation for ‘soft’?
piano - ‘p’
What is the term and meaning for ‘pp’?
Pianissimo, very soft
What are the terms for gradually getting louder and gradually getting softer?
Crescendo and diminuendo
Where are the bars numbered?
They are placed either in small numbers under each family or in large numbers every four bars at the top.
