Music Concepts Flashcards

Question

What is a 'Perfect Cadence'?

Answer 1

Chords V - I (musical full stop) ## Footnote Perfect cadences create a sense of resolution at the end of a phrase.

Answer 2

Chords I-V (musical comma) interrupted to a major chord ## Footnote Imperfect cadences create an expectation for continuation.

Answer 3

A change of key during a passage of music ## Footnote Modulation can create contrast and interest in a piece.

Answer 4

Change the pitch of the music ## Footnote Transposing allows a piece to be played in different keys.

Answer 5

Single sustained note ## Footnote Pedals can create a harmonic foundation over which melodies are played.

Answer 6

Single sustained note or multiple notes whether real or just created by the nature of that instrument ## Footnote Drones provide a continuous sound that supports other musical elements.

Answer 7

Spread out notes of a chord ## Footnote Arpeggios create a flowing sound by playing the notes of a chord sequentially.

Answer 8

The regular division of time in music ## Footnote The pulse is the foundation of rhythm in music.

Answer 9

When music starts with a pick up rather than right on the first beat ## Footnote Annacrusis creates a feeling of anticipation before the downbeat.

Answer 10

3 notes played in the space of 2 ## Footnote Triplets add rhythmic complexity and variation.

Answer 11

Dotted rhythm, jagged and uneven effect ## Footnote Swing tempo is commonly used in jazz to create a laid-back feel.

Answer 12

A unit of music often ending with cadence ## Footnote Phrases typically consist of 4 bars and form the building blocks of musical structure.

Answer 13

The way phrases build into complete pieces ## Footnote Understanding phrase structure helps in analyzing musical form.

Answer 14

2/4, 3/4, 4/4 - The beat divides in two ## Footnote Simple time signatures are foundational in Western music.

Answer 15

6/8, 9/8 or 12/8 - The beat divides into three ## Footnote Compound time signatures create a different rhythmic feel compared to simple time.

Answer 16

Two beats in the bar ## Footnote Duple time provides a straightforward rhythmic structure.

Answer 17

Three beats in the bar ## Footnote Triple time is commonly found in waltzes and similar styles.

Answer 18

Four beats in the bar ## Footnote Quadruple time is prevalent in many musical forms, providing a strong rhythmic foundation.

Answer 19

Where the number of beats in a bar keeps changing ## Footnote Irregular time signatures add unpredictability and complexity.

Answer 20

A rhythmic phrase or pattern in Indian music ## Footnote Talas form the rhythmic structure in Indian classical music.

Answer 21

Accenting against the beat ## Footnote Syncopation creates rhythmic interest by placing emphasis on weak beats.

Answer 22

Like syncopation – notes playing across the beat ## Footnote Off-beat rhythms contribute to a lively and engaging musical feel.

Answer 23

Another form of notes playing across the beat ## Footnote Cross-rhythms create complex, layered rhythmic textures.

Answer 24

Where the rhythms are in layers of texture, often imitatively ## Footnote Counterpoint is a key element in polyphonic music.

Answer 25

Slow and sad ## Footnote Adagio is a tempo marking indicating a slow pace.

Answer 26

Slowly ## Footnote Largo is often used to create a grand and expansive feel in music.

Answer 27

At a walking pace ## Footnote Andante provides a moderate tempo that is neither too fast nor too slow.

Answer 28

Moderate speed ## Footnote Moderato is a tempo marking that suggests a balanced pace.

Answer 29

Quick and Merry ## Footnote Allegro is often used to convey a lively and cheerful character.

Answer 30

Lively ## Footnote Vivace is a tempo marking suggesting a brisk and energetic pace.

Answer 31

Very quick ## Footnote Presto indicates a very fast tempo.

Answer 32

Getting faster ## Footnote Accelerando is a directive to gradually increase tempo.

Answer 33

Getting slower ## Footnote These terms indicate a gradual decrease in tempo.

Answer 34

Much slower ## Footnote Allargando often indicates a broadening of tempo and expressiveness.

Answer 35

With a flexible tempo ## Footnote Rubato allows for expressive timing, often used in romantic music.

Answer 36

Silence ## Footnote Pauses can create dramatic effects and enhance musical phrasing.

Answer 37

Very loud ## Footnote Fortissimo indicates a dynamic level that is extremely loud.

Answer 38

Loud ## Footnote Forte indicates a strong and powerful sound.

Answer 39

Moderately loud ## Footnote Mezzo forte provides a balanced dynamic level.

Answer 40

Moderately quiet ## Footnote Mezzo piano indicates a softer dynamic level that is still audible.

Answer 41

Quiet ## Footnote Piano indicates a dynamic level that is softer than mezzo piano.

Answer 42

Very soft ## Footnote Pianissimo indicates an extremely quiet dynamic level.

Answer 43

Getting louder ## Footnote Crescendo indicates a gradual increase in volume.

Answer 44

Getting quieter ## Footnote Diminuendo indicates a gradual decrease in volume.

Answer 45

Suddenly ## Footnote Subito indicates an abrupt change in dynamics.

Answer 46

Accent ## Footnote Sforzando indicates a sudden strong emphasis on a note.

Answer 47

Smoothly ## Footnote Legato indicates a style of playing where notes are connected without breaks.

Answer 48

Short and clipped ## Footnote Staccato indicates a style of playing where notes are detached and short.

Answer 49

Rapid repetition of a note ## Footnote Tremolo creates a trembling effect through quick note repetition.

Answer 50

Grouping of instruments from the string, brass, woodwind and percussion families ## Footnote Orchestras are typically large ensembles that perform symphonic music.

Answer 51

Bowed Instruments ## Footnote The string family includes instruments like violins, violas, and cellos.

Answer 52

Brass Instruments ## Footnote The brass family includes instruments like trumpets, trombones, and tubas.

Answer 53

Reed Instruments ## Footnote The woodwind family includes instruments like flutes, clarinets, and oboes.

Answer 54

Instruments that need to be struck ## Footnote Percussion instruments include drums, cymbals, and xylophones.

Answer 55

Baroque keyboard instrument ## Footnote The harpsichord produces sound by plucking strings and was popular in the Baroque period.

Answer 56

Church keyboard instrument ## Footnote The organ is known for its rich sound and is commonly used in churches.

Answer 57

Baroque combination of bass and keyboard instruments ## Footnote Basso continuo provides harmonic support in Baroque music.

Answer 58

Acoustic, Electric and Bass ## Footnote Guitars are versatile string instruments used in various music genres.

Answer 59

Very high pitched female voice ## Footnote Soprano is the highest voice type in choral music.

Answer 60

Low pitched female voice ## Footnote Altos typically sing harmonies below sopranos in choral settings.

Answer 61

High pitched male voice ## Footnote Tenors sing higher vocal parts in choral music.

Answer 62

Low pitched male voice ## Footnote Bass and baritone voices provide depth in choral arrangements.

Answer 63

Unaccompanied voices ## Footnote A capella performances feature vocal harmonies without instrumental accompaniment.

Answer 64

A group of singers ## Footnote Choirs can vary in size and often perform choral works.

Answer 65

A large group of singers ## Footnote Choruses are typically larger than choirs and perform in concert settings.

Answer 66

In pop and jazz, the singers supporting the soloist ## Footnote Backing vocals enhance the main vocal line and add depth to performances.

Answer 67

A small orchestra ## Footnote Chamber orchestras typically perform in smaller venues and feature fewer musicians.

Answer 68

A musical ensemble from Java or Bali in Indonesia ## Footnote Gamelan music features a variety of instruments, including gongs and metallophones.

Answer 69

Woodwind and Brass ## Footnote Wind bands typically perform concert music and are composed of woodwind and brass instruments.

Answer 70

Brass family of only brass instruments ## Footnote Brass bands are often associated with marching and concert performances.

Answer 71

A device which manufactures sounds artificially and electronically ## Footnote Synthesizers are versatile instruments used in many genres of modern music.

Answer 72

A device which plays synthesized and sampled drum patterns ## Footnote Drum machines are often used in electronic and pop music production.

Answer 73

One sound at a time ## Footnote Monophonic textures consist of a single melodic line without harmony.

Answer 74

Different sounds played together ## Footnote Heterophonic textures feature variations of a single melody performed simultaneously.

Answer 75

Must involve harmony/chords ## Footnote Homophonic textures consist of a main melody supported by chords.

Answer 76

Many sounds sung in different rhythms creating interweaving melodies ## Footnote Polyphony features multiple independent melodies occurring simultaneously.

Answer 77

Like polyphony but instrumental ## Footnote Counterpoint involves the interplay of independent musical lines, typically played by instruments.

Answer 78

One performer ## Footnote Solos can showcase an individual's skill and interpretation of a piece.

Answer 79

All performers using same notes OR in octaves ## Footnote Unison creates a powerful sound by having multiple voices or instruments play the same pitch.

Answer 80

Playing the same notes as another instrument ## Footnote Doubling can enhance the richness of a musical passage.

Answer 81

All performers together ## Footnote Tutti sections are often used to create climactic moments in orchestral music.

Answer 82

Goes against the main melody ## Footnote Countermelodies add complexity and interest to the primary musical line.

Answer 83

A countermelody above the other voice ## Footnote Descants are often used in choral music to add brightness and contrast.

Answer 84

A repeated bass pattern especially in Baroque Music ## Footnote Ground bass serves as a foundation for variations and melodies above.

Answer 85

Theme played in altered forms ## Footnote This form allows for creative exploration of a musical idea.

Answer 86

A/B Structure ## Footnote Binary form consists of two contrasting sections.

Answer 87

A/B/A Form ## Footnote Ternary form features a return to the initial section after a contrasting middle section.

Answer 88

A/B/A/C/A/D/A etc. 1750 onwards ## Footnote Rondo form features recurring themes interspersed with contrasting sections.

Answer 89

Verse and chorus structure ## Footnote Strophic form is common in popular music, where the same music is repeated for each verse.

Answer 90

Song or piece without repeated sections ## Footnote Through composed music continuously develops without returning to previous material.

Answer 91

In Baroque music a returning section played by everyone (tutti) ## Footnote Ritornello forms often frame solo sections in concertos.

Answer 92

The opening passage, often at a slow tempo ## Footnote Introductions set the stage for the piece that follows.

Answer 93

Italian for tail – the end section ## Footnote Codas provide closure to a musical work.

Answer 94

Most popular style of writing extended orchestral works ## Footnote Sonata form typically consists of exposition, development, and recapitulation sections.

Answer 95

Jazz structure using the chord sequence I, IV, and V ## Footnote The 12-bar blues is a foundational structure in jazz and blues music.

Answer 96

Classical period dance with 3 beats in the bar ## Footnote Minuet and trio form is commonly found as the third movement of classical symphonies.

Answer 97

Music repeated unchanged ## Footnote Repetition reinforces musical ideas and themes.

Answer 98

The return of the opening passage towards the end of a piece ## Footnote Recapitulation brings back the main themes, often in a slightly altered form.

Answer 99

Ornaments and additional notes added to melody ## Footnote Decorations enhance melodies and add expressiveness.

Answer 100

A phrase repeated higher or lower in pitch ## Footnote Sequences can be ascending or descending and help develop musical ideas.

Answer 101

Voices and instruments copying one another usually after a short gap ## Footnote Imitation creates texture and interactivity in music.

Answer 102

A melody which can be repeated, delayed and layered over itself ## Footnote Canons create complex interactions between melodic lines.

Answer 103

Repeated pattern in music ## Footnote Ostinatos provide a rhythmic or harmonic foundation for a piece.

Answer 104

An ostinato in Jazz and Pop ## Footnote Riffs are catchy, repeated phrases that define a genre.

Answer 105

Short musical idea which can be developed ## Footnote Motifs are essential building blocks in composing music.

Answer 106

A passage of music which moves away from the main theme(s) ## Footnote Episodes provide contrast and variety within a piece.

Answer 107

Music of chance. Composed in an experimental manner ## Footnote Aleatoric music often incorporates elements of randomness.

Answer 108

Music built over a particular scale (rag) ## Footnote Raga Indian music is characterized by its improvisational nature and specific emotional expressions.

Answer 109

The opening section in an Indian rag, usually in free time and improvisatory ## Footnote Alap sets the mood for the raga and introduces its melodic framework.

Answer 110

The next section in a rag where the tempo becomes more clearly defined ## Footnote Jhor introduces a more rhythmic element to the performance.

Answer 111

The main and final section in a rag where the tempo increases and the tabla plays ## Footnote Jhala is characterized by its energetic and dynamic playing.

Answer 112

A contrasting section in a pop song ## Footnote The middle eight provides a break from the repetitive structure of verses and choruses.

Answer 113

A repeated passage of recorded music ## Footnote Tape loops have been used in experimental music and sampling.

Answer 114

Made up, without notation. Spontaneous ## Footnote Improvisation is a key element in many musical traditions, allowing for personal expression.

Answer 115

New Orleans early jazz. Small combos ## Footnote Trad jazz emphasizes ensemble playing and collective improvisation.

Answer 116

Follows 12 bar pattern. Deals with social problems ## Footnote The blues genre is rooted in African American history and expression.

Answer 117

An electric guitar form of blues with a driving straight beat. 1950s ## Footnote Rock and roll emerged as a popular music genre that influenced many others.

Answer 118

Jamaican music emphasizing off beat (2nd and 4th beats) ## Footnote Reggae music often features socially conscious lyrics and distinctive rhythms.

Answer 119

Faster form of reggae ## Footnote Ska combines elements of Caribbean music with jazz influences.

Answer 120

Atonal music built using a series of 12 notes of the chromatic octave ## Footnote Serialism challenges traditional tonal structures in music composition.

Answer 121

Highly repetitive tonal music. Late 20th century ## Footnote Minimalism emphasizes simplicity and often features gradual changes.

Answer 122

Music which challenges the concept of what constitutes music ## Footnote Experimental music often explores new sounds and forms.

Answer 123

A staged performance of contemporary music, drama and art ## Footnote Performance art blurs the boundaries between different artistic disciplines.

Answer 124

Anglo/Indian pop style with a heavy beat of Punjabi origin ## Footnote Banghra incorporates traditional Punjabi music with contemporary styles.

Answer 125

Small-scale classical western ensembles ## Footnote Chamber music is typically written for a small group of instruments.

Answer 126

Orchestral compositions ## Footnote Symphonic music often involves large orchestras and complex arrangements.

Music Concepts Flashcards

(150 cards)