Theory Key Words Flashcards
Compound Time
Time signatures which are divided into three sections, as opposed to two, and have a 1,2,3 rhythm. (BAR 3/4)
6/8
12/8
9/4
Guiro
Wooden percussion instrument which you strike with a wooden stick.
Hemiola rhythm
Syncopated rhythm with three beats in the time of two or two beats in the time of 3.
Dynamic Markings
pp --> pianissimo p --> Piano mp --> Mezzo Piano mf --> Mezzo Forte f --> Forte ff --> Fortissimo fp --> Fortepiano sfz --> Sforzando
Chromatic
Musical scale of every note every semitone so black and white keys, leaving no gaps.
Pentatonic
A scale of five notes.
Modal
A seven note scale.
Augmentation (rhythmic device)
Melody parts with longer note values than previously played.
Diminution (rhythmic device)
Longer notes in a melody, divided into shorter notes.
Inversion
Rearrangement of parts in a chord.
Harmonic Devices
Diatonic and chromatic Consonant and dissonant Pedal and drone Cadences Major minor etc.
Key Modulations
A change of key to relative major or minor typically.
Dominant Seventh
A weird type of chord.
Anacrusis
1+ unstressed notes before the first bar of a piece of music.
Tremolando
Wavering effect on a note.
Ensemble Types
What/who is in it i.e. a string quartet.
Strophic
Verse of a song is sung in the same music.
Polyrhythm
Two or more rhythms simultaneously.