Things to Remember Flashcards
What does it mean when a questions asks: ‘describe the music of this instrument’?
The articulation of the instrument (arco, comping, etc.)
On what beats the instrument plays.
If it plays the melody or accompaniment - or both.
The complexity of the music it plays (chords, melodies, virtuosic solos, etc.).
What are some things to consider when a questions asks about harmony/tonality?
Major or minor.
A jazz piece will most likely include blues note - may as well write it.
Any piece will usually be mainly diatonic - may as well write it.
There will usually be some sort of chromaticism somewhere.
What are some things to consider when a question inquires after the melody?
If there are repeated bars.
If there are silent bars.
Is there constant quaver/crotchet/etc. movement?
Syncopation.
Articulations of notes (like, slurs, grace notes, staccato, etc.).
Instrumentation.
Things to consider about orchestration…
Are strings arco?
Size of orchestra (use your knowledge of stylistic features).
A lack of a certain instrument.
Things to consider about rhythm…
The time signature.
Syncopation/metrical notes.
The continuity of a certain note length (like, continuous quaver movement, irregular/sparse quaver movement).
Sustained notes.
Pause bars/rests.
The tempo.
The variety of rhythmic values (like, amount of quavers, or crotchets, or dotted rhythms).
Things to consider about harmony/tonality…
The mode of the piece.
The piece usually modulates to the dominant, or relative major/minor.
Usually, diatonicism is predominant, and there’s usually chromaticism as well.
Unison passages.
Pedal notes (most likely in the dominant key).
Other things to consider when listening…
If the phrase structure is clear.
The melodic range.
Textural contrast (and texture, itself - all the ‘phonics).
Things to consider when comparing material (in the Haydn)…
Key.
Phrase length.
Dynamics.
Articulation.
Instrumentation.
