Terms Flashcards

1
Q

A cappella

A
  • Latin for “in the chapel”
  • vocal music without instrumental accompaniment
  • characteristic feature of Middle Ages/Renaissance music

Eg. Haec dies(anonymous chant)

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2
Q

The “Affections”

A
  • Baroque philosophy inspired by Greek/Roman writers/orators
  • a single “affect” visually projected through entire composition
  • vocal music depicted emotions of text/dramatic situations

Eg. The Coronation of Poppea

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3
Q

Baroque

A
  • from Portuguese “barroco” : irregularly shaped

- first used as derogatory term, now applied to 17-early 18th century art, architecture, music

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4
Q

Bas

A
  • French for “low”
  • low level of volume, designation for indoor instruments

Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4

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5
Q

Basso continuo

A
  • two performers: one playing notated bass line, one realizing indicated harmonies by figured bass
  • provides harmonic framework

Eg. The Coronation of Poppea

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6
Q

Binary form

A
  • two part form (AB)
  • section A usually ending with an open cadence
  • frequently used in Baroque dances and keyboard pieces
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7
Q

Cadenza

A
  • solo passage found in concertos and arias
  • 18th century, generally improvised by soloist to display virtuosity

Eg. Piano Concerto in G major, K453

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8
Q

Canon

A
  • from Greek word “law”

- strict type of polyphonic composition: each voice enters in succession with same melody

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9
Q

Cantata

A
  • multi movement chorale work
  • sacred or secular
  • for soloists, chorus, orchestra

Eg. Cantata No. 80, “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott”

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10
Q

Cantus firmus

A
  • Latin for “fixed song”
  • borrowed material, often from Gregorian chant
  • serves as structural skeleton for a new polyphonic composition

Eg. Haec dies (organum)

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11
Q

Chamber music

A
  • music for small ensemble (2-10 players)
  • one player per part
  • usually performed without conductor

Eg. Piano Quintet in A major, D667 (“Trout”)

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12
Q

Castrato

A
  • male soprano or alto voice
  • surgical procedure before reaching puberty to prevent voice from changing
  • 17-18th century, generally used in heroic roles

Eg. The Marriage of Figaro

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13
Q

Chorale

A
  • hymn tune
  • intended for congregational singing
  • used as a basis for many genres
  • harmonized for four voices
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14
Q

Chromaticism

A
  • from Greek word “chroma” (colour)
  • melodies/harmonies including all notes available within the octave

Eg. Ave maria… Virgo Serena

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15
Q

Clavichord

A
  • small rectangular keyboard instrument

Eg. Sonata in D Major, L463/K430

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16
Q

Clavier

A
  • German for any keyboard instrument other than the organ
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17
Q

Coda

A
  • Latin for “tail”
  • concluding section reaffirming tonic key

Eg. Symphony No. 104 in D Major (“London”)

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18
Q

Concertino

A
  • small group of solo instruments featured in a concerto gross

Eg. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV 1047

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19
Q

Concerto grosso

A
  • baroque orchestral work
  • usually in 3 movements (fast-slow-fast)
  • group of solo instruments showcased

Eg. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV 1047

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20
Q

Consort of instruments

A
  • Renaissance term for instrumental ensemble
  • “whole consort”: all instruments from one family
  • “broken consort”: mixed combination of instruments

Eg. Pavane “Mille regretz”

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21
Q

Continuous imitation

A
  • type of polyphony associated with Renaissance style
  • motive or theme passed from one voice to another
  • series of entries referred to as “points of imitation”

Eg. Ave Maria… Virgo Serena

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22
Q

Counter tenor

A
  • high male voice with a strong, pure tone
  • often heard in performances of early music
  • falsetto singing (out of male range)

Eg. O mitissima/Virgo/Haec dies

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23
Q

Cornetto

A
  • ancestor of trumpet
  • developed from cow horn, later made of wood
  • outdoor instrument

Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4

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24
Q

Crumhorn

A
  • double reed instrument, outdoor
  • usually J shaped

Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4

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25
Development
- second main section in sonata form - themes from exposition are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment or changes to orchestration - modulations and increased harmonic tension - new themes may also be introduced Eg. Symphony No. 104 in D Major "London"
26
Double exposition
- used in first mvmt of Classical concerto - orchestral exposition introduces principal themes and tonic keys - solo exposition follows, restates first theme and initiates modulation away from tonic key Eg. Piano Concerto in G Major, K453
27
Drone
- sustained pitch or long held notes - provides harmonic support - common in folk music Eg. Ce fut en mai
28
Dulcimer
- popular Medieval string instrument: wooden sound box and gut strings struck with small hammers - indoor instrument Eg. Ce fut en mai
29
Estampie
- one of the oldest medieval dances - stately character - elaborate body movements, danced by couples Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
30
Exposition
- first main section in sonata form - two contrasting themes stated - first theme = tonic key, second theme = dominant/relative major key Eg. Symphony No. 104 in D Major, "London"
31
Figured bass
- type of musical shorthand developed in Baroque era - numbers placed below bass line to show harmonic progression - performed by basso continuo - provides structure for guided improvisation
32
Fugal texture
- contrapuntal composition based on imitation - a theme pervades entire work, entering in one voice and then another Eg. Cantata No. 80
33
Gradual
- fourth section of the Mass Proper - texts derive primarily from Psalms - chants were generally melismatic and responsorial style Eg. Haec dies (anonymous chant)
34
Gravicembalo
- Italian term for harpsichord Eg. Sonata in D Major, L463/K430
35
Gregorian chant
- form of plainchant: sacred, liturgical music of Catholic Church - modal, monophonic melodies, unmeasured rhythms and Latin texts - named after Pope Gregory the Great Eg. Haec dies (anonymous chant)
36
Ground bass
- baroque compositional device - consists of continuous repetition of a short melody over which free variations occur - provided basic structure of Baroque era Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
37
Guitarra moresca
- guitar of mourish (North African) origins | - strummed
38
Harpsichord
- keyboard instrument - often had two sets of keys Eg. Sonata in D Major, L463/K430
39
Haut
- French for "high", high level of volume - outdoor instrument Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
40
Heterophonic texture
- simultaneous variation - two or more voices, one playing original, others playing embellished version (often improvised) Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
41
Homorhythmic texture
- in multi voiced composition, all voices sing in same rhythm - chordal texture results - coupled with syllabic text setting, delivers text clearly Eg. Ave Maria... Virgo Serena
42
Hornpipe
- lively dance in triple meter - English origin, originally associated with sailors Eg. Water Suite Music in D Major, HWV 349
43
Lute
- ancestor of guitar - middle eastern origin - frequently used to accompany singers - plucked, fretted string instrument Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
44
Mass
- most important service in liturgy of RCC - includes prayers, readings from Bible, reenactment of Last Supper, referred to as Holy Communion Eg. Missa Papae Marcelli
45
Mass Ordinary
- unchanging prayers of the Mass | - components: Kyrie, Gloria, Crede, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei
46
Mass proper
- changing, variable prayers of Mass - linked to Church Calender - sections: Gradual, Introit, Communion, Alleluia
47
Medieval pipe
- ancestor of flute - wind instrument with three holes, blown through mouth piece Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
48
Melismatic text setting
- many notes for each syllable of text - the most elaborate and florid form of text setting Eg. Haec dies anonymous chant
49
Modal counterpoint
- polyphonic texture based on modes Eg. Ave Maria... Virgo Serena
50
Modes
- scale patterns distinguished by their own unique order of tones and semitones - source of melodies in Middle Ages and Renaissance - Ancient Greece music: referred to by original names
51
Modified sonata form
- abbreviated sonata form - contains Exposition, Recapitulation but no development - developed by 18th century composers Eg. The Marriage of Figaro
52
Monody
- literally "one song" - new style developed in late 16th century - single vocal melody with simple instrumental accompaniment Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
53
Monophonic chanson
- chanson is French for "song" - grew from troubadour/trouvere tradition, 12-13th centuries - sometimes performed with improvised accompaniment Eg. Ce fut en mai
54
Monophonic texture
- music consisting of a single line of melody - no harmony or accompaniment Eg. Haec dies (anonymous chant)
55
Monothematic exposition
- in sonata form: theme 2 = transposed version of theme 1 - frequently employed by Haydn Eg. Symphony No. 104 in D Major "London"
56
Motet
- vocal composition with or without instrumental accompaniment - can be sacred or secular - usually anonymous and often polytextual Eg. O mitissima/Virgo/Haec dies
57
Musica ficta
- Latin for "false music" = modern day accidentals - performance practice in modal music of LMA and Renaissance Eg. Puis qu'en oubli
58
Nakers
- medieval percussion instruments, middle eastern origin - played in pairs, resemble small kettledrums Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
59
Neumatic text setting
- several notes (2-4) for each syllable of text Eg. Haec dies (anonymous chant)
60
Neumes
- small notation symbols indicating direction of melodic line - earliest form of notation in western art music Eg. Haec dies (anonymous chant)
61
Opera
- Italian for "work", created in Italy around 1600 - combines vocal and instrumental music with drama, visual arts, often dance - includes recitative, aria, ensemble, choruses Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
62
Opera buffa
- Italian comic opera - sung throughout with no spoken dialogue - down to earth characters, fast paced plots, farce, sexual innuendo Eg. The Marriage of Figaro
63
Opera seria
- Italian for "serious opera" - sung throughout - generally based on historical or mythological subjects Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
64
Oratorio
- large scale choral work generally based on sacred subjects - PF include: vocal soloists, chorus, orchestra - performed in concert setting without scenery, costumes, acting Eg. The Creation
65
Organum
- general term for polyphony based on plainchant - early styles maintained primary intervals between voices - later styles featured greater variety of intervals Eg. Haec dies (organum)
66
Ostinato
- Italian for "obstinate" or "persistent" - rhythmic melodic pattern repeated for an extended period Eg. O mitissima/Virgo/Haec dies
67
Piano quintet
- chamber ensemble consisting of piano and four other instruments - most common grouping is piano with string quartet - also refers to a composition written for 5 instruments Eg. Piano Quintet in A major, D667 "Trout"
68
Plainchant
- sometimes called plain song - roots in Judaic tradition, monophonic texture, modal melodies, narrow melodic range, unmeasured prose rhythm Eg. Haec dies (anonymous chant)
69
Polyphonic texture
- two or more independent melodic lines heard simultaneously - referred to as contrapuntal texture Eg. O mitissima/Virgo/Haec dies
70
Polytextual motet
- two or more texts heard simultaneously Eg. O mitissima/Virgo/Haec dies
71
Portative organ
- medieval portable keyboard instrument Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
72
Positive organ
- slightly larger than portative organ - one keyboard, no pedals, small pipes - 14th century, popular through Renaissance Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
73
Psaltery
- popular medieval string instrument - trapezoidal sound box with gut strings - indoor instrument Eg. Ce fut en mai
74
Rebec
- medieval indoor instrument - pear shaped with three strings - played on arm or under chin Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
75
Recitativo accompagnato
- Italian for "accompanied recitative" - speech like, declamatory style of singing - supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
76
Recitative secco
- Italian for "dry recitative" - speech like, declamatory style of singing - supported only by continuo Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
77
Recorder
- medieval indoor instrument - end blown wind instrument with finger holes - remained popular in baroque period Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
78
Regal
- 14th century portable organ - small key word and reeds - ancestor of modern harmonium Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
79
Responsorial singing
- method of performance where solo voice alternates with chorus - solo passage = verse, choral passage = chorus Eg. Haec dies (anonymous chant)
80
Ripieno AKA tutti
- Italian for "full" or "complete" - term used to denote full orchestra in baroque concerto Eg. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major
81
Ritornello
- recurring theme functioning as a refrain in baroque compositions - can serve as introduction and and postlude in arias and choruses Eg. Cantata No. 80
82
Ritornello form
- structure employed in 1st and 3rd movements of baroque concerto - opening passage restated throughout movement Eg. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major
83
Rondeau
- popular fixed poetic form used in chansons of Ars Nova - four verses with a refrain: AB aA ab AB Eg. Puis qu'en oubli
84
Rondo form
- ABACA or ABACABA - section must be heard at least three times in tonic key - sections B and C offer contrast in keys and thematic material Eg. Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13
85
Rounded binary
- two part musical form ABA | - material from A returns with B
86
Sackbut
- ancestor of trombone - from old French "pull-push" - outdoor instrument Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
87
Shawm
- ancestor of oboe - middle eastern origin - double reed instrument producing shrill nasal tone Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
88
Sonata cycle
- multi movement structure - emerged in classical era - occurs in symphony, sonata, concerto Eg. Symphony No. 104 in D Major
89
Sonata form
- formal structure used in 1st movement of sonata cycle - consists of Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation Eg. Symphony No. 104 in D Major
90
Stile concitato
- Italian for "agitated style" - term used by Monteverdi to express "hidden tremors of the soul" through tremolo and pizzicato, ornamentation and rapid repeated notes Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
91
Stile rappresentativo
- Italian for "representational style" - term used by Florentine Camerata musicians to describe monody style - recitative like melody moving freely over foundation of simple chords Eg. The Coronation of Poppea
92
String quartet
- the most popular chamber ensemble of Classical era - two violins, viola, cello - four movements: fast-slow-medium-fast Eg. Piano Quintet in A Major
93
Strophic form
- structure where same music is performed for each verse of the poem - little connection between words and music Eg. Ce fut en mai
94
Tabor
- medieval percussion instrument - large and cylindrical drum Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
95
Tambourine
- percussion instrument - wooden frame with small metal disks inserted, with or without drum skin - played by striking or shaking Eg. Royal Estampie No. 4
96
Tenor
- from Latin terere "to hold" | - in polyphonic composition, refers to voice containing cantus furmus
97
Terzetto
- Italian term for "trio" - musical number for 3 voices Eg. The Marriage of Figaro
98
Theme and variations
- a work featuring a theme followed by a series of variations - often used in slow movement of sonata cycle - changes can be made to melody, harmony, rhythm or orchestration Eg. Piano Quintet in A major
99
Tremolo
- rapid alternation between the notes or notes of a chord Eg. Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13
100
Troubadour
- aristocratic poet musicians of Southern France | - composed and performed original poems and songs
101
Trouser role
- male character performed by soprano - roles originally created for male castratti frequently turned into trouser roles in modern performances Eg. The Marriage of Figaro
102
Trouvere
- French for "finder" or "inventor" - aristocratic poet musicians of Northern France - composed and performed original songs and poems
103
Vielle
- medieval ancestor of violin - figure 8 shape played with bow - indoor instrument Eg. Ce fut en mai
104
Viol
- Renaissance family of bowed string instruments - varied in size Eg. Pavane "Mille regretz"
105
Viola da gamba
- instrument of viol family - 6 strings, fretted like guitar - held like modern cello Eg. Pavane "Mille regretz"
106
Virginal
- generic term in England for all plucked keyboard instruments - small and lighter than harpsichord, less expensive, simpler construction - played on table top or held in lap Eg. Pavane "Mille regretz"
107
Word painting
- musical pictorialization - in vocal works, music reflects meaning of text - employed in madrigals, operas, oratorios Eg. Ave Maria... Virgo Serena