General

Question 1

Things to consider when describing the melody (6)

Answer 1

Instrumentation
Ascending/descending
Conjunct or disjunct
Pitch
Sequences
Dynamics

Question 2

Things to consider when describing accompaniment (7)

Answer 2

Instrumentation
Texture (e.g. chords, broken chords, octaves, alberti bass, basso continuo, arpeggios, scales)
Ostinato
Pitch
The rhythm
Tonality
Dynamics

Question 3

Things to consider when describing structure (5)

Answer 3

ABA - Ternary
AB - Binary
ABACADA - Rondo
A A’ A’’ A’’’ - Theme and Variations
Sonata form (exposition, development, recapitulation)

Question 4

Things to consider when describing texture (5)

Answer 4

Homophonic/polyphonic/monophonic/heterophonic
Parallel motion
Chords, broken chords
In unison, in octaves
Instrumentation

Question 5

Arco

Answer 5

A string instrument is bowed in the usual way

Question 6

Pizzicato

Answer 6

A string instrument is plucked

Question 7

Glissando

Answer 7

A continuous slide upwards or downwards between two notes

Question 8

Tremolo

Answer 8

A vibrating/shaking sound created by repeating the same or playing two notes note extremely quickly

Question 9

Double stopping

Answer 9

Playing two notes simultaneously on a stringed instrument

Question 10

Strumming

Answer 10

Moving your fingers or a pick across the strings of a guitar, lute or similar instrument

Question 11

Pitch bending

Answer 11

A note sliding upwards/downwards

Question 12

Mute

Answer 12

A device inside an instrument that alters its timbre and somewhat dampens the sound

Question 13

Roll

Answer 13

A tremolo on a percussion instrument

Question 14

Melisma

Answer 14

Vocal effect, several notes sung in one syllable

Question 15

Imitation

Answer 15

Repeating a melody in a different voice

Question 16

Sequence

Answer 16

Repeating a motif at a higher or lower pitch

Question 17

Canon

Answer 17

Imitation of a melody

Question 18

Ostinato

Answer 18

Repeated motif, usually in the same pitch

Question 19

Drone

Answer 19

A sustained note or chord

Question 20

Alberti bass

Answer 20

Arpeggiated accompaniment, common in keyboard music in the Classical era
(do so mi so do so mi so)

Question 21

Pedal

Answer 21

Sustained tone, usually in the bass

Question 22

Contrary motion

Answer 22

Two voices move in opposite direction

Question 23

Opera

Answer 23

Staged drama set to music
Dramatic
Voice usually has a LOT of vibrato

Question 24

Oratorio

Answer 24

Large sacred composition for voice and orchestra

Question 25

Recitative

Answer 25

Used in opera and oratorio, a style of delivery where a singer has a more natural rhythm of ordinary speech

Question 26

Aria

Answer 26

Solo vocal piece, often in opera or oratorio

Question 27

Chorus

Answer 27

Choir

Question 28

Musical

Answer 28

Form of theatre with songs, dancing and acting

Question 29

Symphony

Answer 29

Long composition for full orchestra, usually three or more movements

Question 30

Concerto

Answer 30

Composition for solo instrument and orchestra

Question 31

String quartet

Answer 31

2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello

Question 32

Sonata

Answer 32

Composition that uses sonata form (exposition, development, recapitulation)

Question 33

March (4)

Answer 33

2/4 or 4/4 Steady/regular beat/tempo/pulse Triadic/fanfare like melodies Walking pace

Question 34

Waltz (4)

Answer 34

3/4 Lyrical melody Boom chuk chuk rhythm Fast

Question 35

Minuet and trio (3)

Answer 35

3/4 Moderately fast Regular phrases