Key Words- Musical Forms and Devices

Question 1

Features of Baroque Era (1600-1750)

Answer 1

Ornaments
Harpsichord
Terraced Dynamics
Basso continuo
Small orchestra

Question 2

Features of Classical Era (1750-1810)

Answer 2

Slightly larger orchestra
First use of piano
Alberti bass
String quartets
Balanced, regular phrases

Question 3

Features of Romantic Era (1810-1910)

Answer 3

Lyrical, expressive melodies
Large orchestra
Wide range of dynamics
Rich harmonies
Chromatic chords

Question 4

A Scale

Answer 4

An ordered sequence of notes that divide up an octave

Question 5

A chord

Answer 5

A group of two or more notes played at the same time

Question 6

A triad

Answer 6

A chord with three notes
(1st, 3rd and 5th in the scale)

Question 7

A chord sequence / pattern

Answer 7

A series of chords

Question 8

Diatonic harmony

Answer 8

A harmony based on the chords of a major/minor scale

Question 9

Primary chords

Answer 9

I, IV, V

Question 10

Secondary chords

Answer 10

ii, iii, vi, vii

Question 11

Binary structure

Answer 11

AB

Two sections
A ends in a related key
B returns to the tonic and contains a change or contrast

Question 12

Ternary structure

Answer 12

ABA

Three sections
Section B provides contrast
Section A may be altered slightly the second time

Question 13

Rondo form

Answer 13

ABACA

Section A returns throughout the piece
Sections B and C contain new ideas

Question 14

Minuet and Trio

Answer 14

{AB} x2, {CD} x2, {AB}

Minuet repeated twice, followed with Trio repeated twice, followed by Minuet once more

Question 15

Variations

Answer 15

A, a, 𝓐, 𝔸

Main theme repeated and developed in different ways

Question 16

Strophic

Answer 16

A, A, A
Same melody repeated over and over again

Question 17

Repetition

Answer 17

A musical idea repeated exactly

Question 18

Imitation

Answer 18

An idea copied in another part

Question 19

Sequence

Answer 19

Repetition of an idea at a higher or lower pitch (but stays in the same part)

Question 20

Ostinato

Answer 20

A short, repeated pattern or phrase

Question 21

Drone

Answer 21

A long held note or constantly repeated notes

Question 22

Arpeggio / broken chord

Answer 22

The notes of a triad played individually / movement up or down the triad

Question 23

Alberti bass

Answer 23

A broken chord accompaniment of
(I, V, iii, V)

Common in Classical era

Question 24

Anacrusis

Answer 24

An ‘up-beat’ before the first strong beat

Question 25

Dotted rhythms

Answer 25

A rhythm that uses dotted notes

Question 26

Syncopation

Answer 26

Off-beat accents

Question 27

Conjunct

Answer 27

Notes that move in steps

Question 28

Disjunct

Answer 28

Notes that move in leaps or intervals

Question 29

Regular phrasing

Answer 29

Balanced parts of a melody e.g 4-bar phrases

Question 30

Perfect cadence

Answer 30

V-I Strong ending that sounds 'finished'

Question 31

Plagal cadence

Answer 31

IV-I Soft finish e.g "Amen". Sounds finished, but mellower

Question 32

Imperfect cadence

Answer 32

I-V, ii-V, iv-V, etc. Sounds unfinished, like a comma

Question 33

Interrupted cadence

Answer 33

V-vi etc. Sounds unexpected, surprising