Modulation, Tonality and KNOWLEDGE

Question 1

What is modulation?

Answer 1

Modulation is the process of changing keys. It is important in making tonal music in major or minor keys, Western music that is not in a key or mode is described as atonal.

Question 2

What are two signs of modulation?

Answer 2

Notes of a new key are added with accidentals. Perfect cadences confirm the key as an accidental could be a chromatic note. If the cadence ends with a major tonic chord, the new key is major, if it ends with a minor tonic chord, the new key is minor. G# in the key of C could become A minor. G natural in the key of A could become D major.

Question 3

What are the Italian words for tempo?

Answer 3

Presto- Very Fast
Vivace- Lively
Allegro- Fast and Joyful
Allegro Moderatto- Moderately Fast
Moderatto- Moderate
Allegretto- Brisk Walk
Adante- Walking Pace
Largo- Quite Slow
Adagio- Slow
Lento- Very Slow
Accelerando- Speed up
Ritardando- Slow down

Question 4

What are the Italian words for dynamics?

Answer 4

ff- Fortissimo
f- Forte
mf- Mezzo-forte 
mp- Mezzo-piano
p- piano
pp- piannissimo
Crescendo- Get louder
Diminuendo- Get quieter

Question 5

What are the articulation marks?

Answer 5

Staccato Dots- To be played shorter and separate from neighbours
Staccatissmo- Extreme staccato
Accent- Play with force
Marcato- Accent & Staccato
Tenuto- Full value and slight emphasis
Slur- Notes between are played smoothly with no gaps

Question 6

What are terms in musical structure?

Answer 6

Cells- The smallest structure in music
Motif- A short idea distinctive enough to retain its identity after being changed multiple ways
Phrase- Made up of cells and motifs, they are a unit of music usually 2, 4 or 8 bars long

Question 7

What are common musical terms?

Answer 7

Strophic Form- AAAAAA
Verse-Chorus Form- ABABABAA Repeat chorus at end if memorable
Ternary Form- ABA Only three sections
Sonata Form- ABC Starts with an exposition in tonic key. Then development in close related key. Lastly recapitalution in tonic key where material (motifs) from all song appears
Rondo Form- ABACA
Arch Form- ABCBA

Question 8

What are the different types of textures?

Answer 8

Monophonic- Unaccompanied Melody
Chordal- Melody accompanied by block chords
Melody and Accompaniment- Accompaniment has different rhythm
Polyphonic- Two or more simultaneous independant melodies of roughly equal importance
Layered- Each voice consists of repetitive patterns rather than melodic melodies

Question 9

What are the musical periods?

Answer 9

Renaissance: 1450 - 1600 
Baroque: 1600 - 1750
Classical: 1750 - 1825
Romantic: 1825 - 1900
Modern: 1900 - 1975
Postmodernism: 1975 onwards