Timbre and Instrumentation Vocabulary Flashcards
Timbre
The uniqueness of a given sound. The qualities that make each musical sound original, individual, and special. This is also called tone color
Harmonic series
A scientific explanation of how a given musical pitch is actually made up of a series of frequencies, that combine into a rich and unique timbre
Articulation
The way that musical notes are pronounced, how the sounds begin
Accent
An emphasis, by articulation and/or volume, on a certain note in music
Staccato
When musical notes are played separately and detached
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is
Forte
Loud
Piano
Soft
Crescendo
Gradually getting louder
Decrescendo
Gradually getting softer
Strings
Instruments that use the vibration of strings to generate a sound. Common instruments in this family include: guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp
Woodwinds
A diverse family of instruments that use wind, and a vibrating element to produce sound. In past times, these instruments were made of wood, but in modern times they are made of wood, metal, or plastic. Instruments in this family include: flute, piccolo, clarinets, saxophones, oboe, bassoon, and English horn
Brass
A family of instruments typically made from metal. The lips are positioned to vibrate from air being blown. Common instruments in this family include: trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, and tuba
Percussion
A diverse group of instruments. The common element is that usually these instruments are struck with a stick, mallet, beater, or body part. Common instruments include: drums, tambourine, triangle, timpani, bells, and marimba
Keyboard instruments
A family of instruments that uses a standard piano keyboard layout to organize and allow sound production. Piano, pipe organ, harpsichord, and synthesizers are common keyboard instruments
Electric instruments
Instruments that use electricity to generate, project, or manipulate sound. Some instruments include: electric guitar, synthesizer, turntables, drum machines, and the theremin
Orchestration / Instrumentation
The organization of music for an ensemble. This is when a song or piece of music is divided into its many parts for a large ensemble. Sometimes composers do this while composing, and sometimes others will take pre-existing music and arrange an orchestration of it for an ensemble
Ensemble
A group of musicians working together as a team to create a kind music. Orchestras, string quartets, and rock bands are all examples of ensembles
Orchestra
An ensemble that typically includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Strings are the main force of instruments used
Choir
An ensemble consisting of singers
Chamber music
A small ensemble, usually less than 12 musicians. These groups typically perform without a conductor, and rely on each other for musical guidance and leadership
Wind band / Wind ensemble
Similar to an orchestra, but without strings. These ensembles include woodwinds, brass, and percussion. They are common school and military ensembles.
Jazz band
A typical jazz band has saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and a rhythm section (piano, bass, and drums). This ensemble is intended to play jazz music, and especially popular in the swing era of Jazz (1935-1950)
