Texture/Structure/Form

Question 1

What is basso continou?

Answer 1

Basso continuo consists of a single bass line with a keyboard part filling in the harmonies

Question 2

What is concerto grosso?

Answer 2

A small group of soloists contrasts with a larger group of instrumentalists

Question 3

What is da capo aria?

Answer 3

An aria in ternary form used in opera and oratorio

Question 4

What is an exposition?

Answer 4

The first section of a movement in sonata form

Question 4

What is passacaglia?

Answer 4

Variations over a ground bass

Question 4

What is ritornello?

Answer 4

A theme which returns frequently throughout a piece

Question 5

What is sonata form?

Answer 5

A form used for the first movement of a sonata or symphony.
It consists of three sections:

Exposition - 2 contrasting subject groups in related keys
Development
Recapitulation – 2 contrasting subject groups return but in the same key as the opening

Question 6

What is subject?

Answer 6

The main theme in a composition, the main themes in sonata form, or the main theme on which a fugue is based

Question 7

What is through-composed?

Answer 7

A vocal piece in which there is little or no repetition of the music.