p-w words

Question 1

Parallel 3rds / 6ths

Answer 1

When two or more parts are moving in parallel motion to one another consistently at an interval of a 3rd or 6th

Question 2

pedal

Answer 2

pedal note (point) is a sustained note during which the harmony above it changes

Question 3

recitative

Answer 3

A musical form, identified by the style of delivery (much used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas) in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms and delivery of ordinary speech

Question 4

repeat

Answer 4

An instruction from the composer, marked on the score, to repeat a specific section of a piece

Question 5

riding pattern

Answer 5

melodic or harmonic pattern which gradually increases in pitch

Question 6

ritornello

Answer 6

recurrent musical section that alternates with different iterations of contrasting material.

Question 7

secco

Answer 7

Short and vert staccato ‘dry. Usually used in reference to a recitative

Question 8

séquence

Answer 8

melodic or chordal figure repeated at a different pitch to develop the material

Question 9

sustained notes

Answer 9

Notes which are held for a prolonged period of time

Question 10

syllabic

Answer 10

One note per syllable

Question 11

syncopation

Answer 11

Music which is played off the strong beat. This distrust the listeners expectations and can create a feeling of instability or interest in the music

Question 12

texture

Answer 12

The number of melodic or harmonic layers present at any time in a piece of music

Question 13

terraced dynamics

Answer 13

The dynamics of the piece stay at a constant level for a time before a sudden shift to a different dynamic

Question 14

ternary form

Answer 14

A three-part musical form, consisting of an opening section (A), a following section (B) and then a repetition of the first section (A).

Question 15

tiercé de picardie

Answer 15

This is a major chord at the end of a piece of music in a minor key
Tonality: Referring to the key or mode of a piece of music

Question 16

tonality

Answer 16

Referring to the key or mode of a piece of music

Question 17

trill

Answer 17

This is a musical ornament consisting of a rapid alternation between
two adjacent notes

Question 18

upbeat

Answer 18

A note or set of notes that precede the first bar of a piece of music

Question 19

viol

Answer 19

A family of string instruments of different sizes invented in the 1500s. They have 6 strings and frets and played vertically

Question 20

vivace

Answer 20

Tempo marking indicating the movement should be played in a lively mood or speed

Question 21

word painting

Answer 21

Depicting the text through music