music for a while Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is Continuo in Baroque music?
A bass part played by one or more bass and/or chordal instruments
Continuo provides harmonic support in Baroque compositions.
Define Improvisation in music.
A line that is not notated but freely chosen by the performer
Improvisation allows for personal expression and creativity in performance.
What are Arpeggiated chords?
A spread chord, normally from the bottom to the top
Arpeggiated chords create a flowing texture in music.
What is Incidental music?
Music to be performed as part of a play
Incidental music enhances the theatrical experience.
What does Secular music refer to?
Music used for a non-religious occasion
Secular music contrasts with sacred music.
What are Ornaments in music?
Notes that decorate a melody
Ornaments add expressiveness and complexity to musical lines.
Define Mordent.
An ornament played as a rapid wiggle from the printed note to the note above and back
Mordents enhance the expressiveness of melodies.
What is an Appoggiatura?
a grace note which delays the next note of the melody, taking half or more of its written time value.
Appoggiaturas create tension and release in music.
What is Word painting in music?
How the music reflects the meaning of a word or phrase in a text
Word painting creates a deeper connection between text and music.
Define Melisma.
When several notes are sung to the same syllable
Melismas are often used in vocal music to embellish phrases.
What is Ground bass?
A constantly repeating bass pattern above which a melody unfolds
Ground bass is a foundational element in Baroque music.
What is a Da capo aria?
A song with a ternary structure (ABA)
Da capo arias are common in operatic compositions.
Define Figured bass.
A basso continuo part with figures and symbols to indicate the harmonies of the music
Figured bass provides a shorthand for musicians to interpret harmonies.
What is Dissonance in music?
Sounds that are not pleasant when played together
Dissonance creates tension that often seeks resolution.
Define Suspension in music.
A note that is held over to a chord in which it doesn’t belong, creating a dissonance that is then resolved
Suspensions contribute to the emotional depth of a piece.
What is Tierce de picardie?
When a piece in a minor key ends with the tonic major chord
This technique creates a surprising and uplifting conclusion.
What is a Cadential 6/4?
A perfect cadence using chords IC-V-I
Cadential 6/4 leads to a strong sense of closure in music.
Define Chromatic notes.
Notes that don’t belong to the key or move by semitones
Chromaticism adds color and complexity to musical compositions.
What are Non-diatonic notes?
Notes that don’t belong to a key
Non-diatonic notes create tension and expand harmonic possibilities.
What is a Perfect cadence?
Chords V-I, making a phrase sound finished
Perfect cadences are commonly used to signal the end of musical phrases.
Define Melody dominated homophony.
Melody and accompaniment
This texture is prevalent in many musical styles, particularly in the Classical period.
What is Counterpoint?
2 or more different lines occurring simultaneously
Counterpoint is a fundamental aspect of polyphonic music.
