Texture/structure/form

Question 0

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Through-composed?

Answer 0

A vocal/choral composition in which there is little or no repetition of the music

Question 1

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Da capo aria?

Answer 1

An aria in ternary form (aba) used in opera and oratorio in the 17th and 18th centuries. The third section is not written out but the instruction Da Capo (from the beginning) is given instead. The repeat of the A section was performed with the solo ornamented.

Question 2

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Lied?

Answer 2

This term (the german word for song) refers specifically in the romantic era to works for solo voice and piano. The text is in German, the structure of the verses is strophic and through composed. An important feature is that the voice and piano are equally important.

Question 3

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Passacaglia?

Answer 3

Variations over a ground bass.

Question 4

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Concerto grosso?

Answer 4

A type of concerto in which a group of soloists (concertino) is combined and contrasted with a larger group (ripieno).

Question 5

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: sonata form (exposition)

Answer 5

Sonata form is sometimes known as first movement form. This term is used to describe the structure of the first movement of many sonatas, symphonies and often overtures. It falls into three sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation. The exposition introduces two contrasting themes in related keys.

Question 6

Texture/Structure/Form

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

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Basso continuo?

Answer 7

Sometimes referred to as continuo. In the baroque period, the continuo part consisted of a bass line (basso continuo) played by cello, bass, viola de gamba or bassoon. In addition the harpsichord, organ or lute player was expected to fill in harmonies built on that bass line. Sometimes figures were written under the bass line indicating the chords the composer would like played. This was called figured bass.

Question 8

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Ritornello?

Answer 8

Little return. A 17th-century term for a brief introduction or interlude in a vocal composition, or for a brief instrumental passage between scenes in a 17th-century opera. In a concerto grosso, the ritornello is the main theme played by the ripieno group (the orchestra) and sometimes by concertino (the soloists). The ritornello may return frequently throughout the movement, similar to a rondo.

Question 9

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Fugue?

Answer 9

A contrapuntal piece based on a theme announced in one voice part alone, then imitated by other voices in close succession.

Question 10

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Subject?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Counter subject?

Answer 11

In a fugue, after the subject or answer is played, the continuation of that same instrument or voice is called the countersubject. Listen to the excerpt played by an organ which plays the subject and then continues with the counter subject while the answer appears in a lower sound.

Question 12

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Answer?

Answer 12

A reply to a musical question (Opening phrase)

Question 13

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Stretto?

Answer 13

Where voices or instruments enter very quickly one after the other, as in fugue. Each entry or part enters quickly after the previous part, thus adding tension and excitement.

Question 14

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Antiphonal?

Answer 14

Dialogue between voices or instruments - one group of voices or instruments answers the other.

Question 15

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Bridge?

Answer 15

A link between two themes. In sonata form, the bridge or transition links the first subject-group to the second subject-group and also modulates to the key of the second subject.

Question 16

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: leitmotiv?

Answer 16

A theme occurring throughout a work which represents a person, an event, or idea. (Think star wars) The first composer to use leitmotiv extensively was Wagner, in his operas.

Question 17

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: inversion?

Answer 17

When a musical shape is mirrored. (Therefore something may be played and descending, then mirrored and be ascending.)

An inverted chord is formed when a note other than the root is in the bass.

Question 18

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: Retrograde?

Answer 18

To go backwards. A melody or section of music may be performed from the end to the beginning. The texture of the music, including the harmonies can be written or performed from the end to the beginning. Retrograde inversion means the music can be written or performed backwards and upside-down at the same time. These are called serial techniques.

Question 19

Texture/Structure/Form

What is: song cycle?

Answer 19

A group of songs inked by a common theme or with a text written by the same author, usually accompanied by piano but sometimes by small ensembles or a small orchestra