Western Art Music Terms

Question 1

Basso continuo

Answer 1

Keyboard instrument + bass instrument

Question 2

Concerto

Answer 2

Piece for solo instrument + orchestra

Question 3

Concerto grosso

Answer 3

Piece for 2 or more soloists + orchestra

Question 4

Fugue

Answer 4

Polyphonic piece where a theme/subject is use in all the melody lines and developed throughout the piece.

Question 5

Oratorio

Answer 5

Dramatic telling of religious story, with orchestra, soloists, chorus (choir) just like an opera would have, but without costumes and acting.

Question 6

Sonata

Answer 6

A piece for an instrument. Usually has 2 movements.

Question 7

Solo concerto

Answer 7

A piece for soloist + orchestra

Question 8

Chamber music

Answer 8

Smaller ensembles playing together.

Question 9

Chromaticism

Answer 9

Use of notes not in the scale to create tension.

Question 10

Virtuoso

Answer 10

An exceptionally good player or singer.

Question 11

Concert Etude

Answer 11

An Etude is a study - a piece that teachers the player some technique. A concert Etude is when a study is written to be so beautiful and impressive that it can be played in a concert hall as a piece.