Terms Flashcards
from Greek for “law”; a strict type of polyphonic composition where each voice enters in succession with the same melody
Canon
a recurrent theme that functions as a refrain in Baroque compositions
Ritornello
a highly structured imitative contrapuntal composition where a single theme or subject prevails
Fugue
a Baroque orchestral work where the concertino is showcased
Concerto Grosso
a small group of soloists featured in a concerto grosso in the Baroque era
Concertino
the full orchestra in a Baroque concerto
Ripieno
a structure used in the first and third movements of Baroque concerto where the opening passage (ritornello) is re-stated throughout
Ritornello Form
a collection of stylized dances and other pieces in the same key that was written for a solo instrument of orchestral ensemble; 4 standard dances: allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue
Suite
a French term for “suite”
Ordre
a French term for “harpsichord”
Clavecin
a performance practice where notes that are written with equal values are performed with unequal values most often lengthening first note and shortening second
Notes Inégales
a French word for an ornament or embellishment
Agréments
a lively, triple-meter dance of English origin; originally associated with sailors
Hornpipe
a late 18th-century literary movement characterized by heightened emotionalism and relished tormented feelings
Sturm Und Drang
a multi-movement structure that emerged in the Classical era
Sonata Cycle
a formal structure used in the first movement of the sonata cycle, consisting of exposition, development and recapitulation
Sonata Form
in sonata form, the second theme is a transposed version of the first theme
Monothematic Exposition
a large-scale work based on serious subjects for soloists, chorus and orchestra, consisting of recitatives, arias, ensembles and choruses
Oratorio
a speech-like declamatory style of singing supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata
Recitativo Accompagnato
a multi-movement orchestral work usually in three movements (fast-slow-fast)
Concerto
a modified version of sonata form where orchestral exposition introduces the principle themes and establishes tonic key followed by the solo exposition
Double Exposition
a virtuosic, improvisatory, solo passage found in concertos and arias
Cadenza
a comic Italian opera sung throughout with no spoken dialogue
Opera Buffa
a musical number for three voices (characters)
Terzetto
a male character performed by soprano, mezzo-soprano or contralto
Trouser Role
an abbreviated sonata form with no development (contains exposition and recapitulation)
Modified Strophic Form
a formal structure where the opening section returns two or more times, separated by contrasting sections (ABACA or ABACABA); often used in sonata cycle
Rondo Form
an instrumental genre for one or two instruments generally with several contrasting movements
Sonata
music for small ensemble (2-10 players) with one player per part and usually performed without a conductor
Chamber Music
a chamber ensemble of the Classical era composed of the first violin, second violin, viola and cello; composition written for the ensemble, generally in 4 movements (fast-slow-medium-fast)
String Quartet
music consisting of a single line or melody with no harmony or accompaniment
Monophonic Texture
two or more independent melody lines (or voices) heard simultaneously; referred as contrapuntal texture
Polyphonic Texture
scale patterns distinguished by unique order of half and whole steps; referred to by Greek names (Dorian, Phrygian etc.)
Modes
the earliest notated symbols (originally indicates direction of dotted line - later shape of squares or diamonds) used in Western art music
Neumes
vocal music without instrumental accompaniment
A Cappella
a form of plainchant, sacred liturgical music of the Roman Catholic Church, generally with Latin texts and modal, monophonic melodies with unmeasured rhythm
Gregorian Chant
sometimes called “plainsong” with monophonic texture, modal melodies, relatively narrow melodic range and unmeasured prose rhythm
Plainchant
most important service in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church; includes prayers, Bible readings, reenactments, consists of texts that are variable (Proper) and texts that remain the same (Ordinary)
Mass
changing, variable prayers of the Mass that are linked to the church calendar with sections that include: Gradual, Introit, Communion, Alleluia
Mass Proper
the fourth sections of the Mass Proper with texts based primarily on the Psalms; generally melismatic and performed in responsorial style
Gradual (Mass Proper)