Terms list pg. 2 Flashcards
a niente
To nothing, e.g. to ppp.
animato
Animated; lively.
augmentation
Compositional technique in which a melodic line is repeated in longer note values. The opposite of diminution.
augmented
The term for a major or perfect interval which has been enlarged by one half-step, e.g. c-g# , (an augmented fifth,) or c-d#, (an augmented second). Also used for a triad with an augmented fifth, e.g. the augmented tonic triad in C major, C+, c-e-g# .
Bitonality
The occurrence of two different tonalities at the same time.
Cadence
A chordal or melodic progression which occurs at the close of a phrase, section, or composition, giving a feeling of repose; a temporary or permanent ending. The most frequently used cadences are perfect, plagal, and deceptive.
Cadenza
a solo passage, often virtuosic, usually near the end of a piece, either written by the composer or improvised by the performer.
Caesura
A sudden silencing of the sound; a pause or break, indicated by the following symbol: //
Canon
The strictest form of imitation, in which two or more parts have the same melody but start at different points.
Canonic
A term used to describe a polyphonic style of music in which all the parts have the same melody but which start at different times.
Cantabile
In singing style.
Chance music
aleatoric music
Chorale
Hymn-like song, characterized by blocked chords.
Chord
A combination of three or more tones sounded simultaneously.
Chromatic
Ascending or descending by half steps.
