Meter
Beats organized into groups defined by accented beats
Tempo
The speed of the beat
Meter Signature or Time Signature
The top number tells how many beats in a measure. The bottom number shows what kind of a note gets a beat.
Example: 2 - 2 beats in a measure
4 - quarter note gets a beat
C= Common Time= 4/4 ¢= Cut Time = 2/2
Measure
The distance or grouping of the beats between the bar lines
note note note rest | = measure
Accent
A beat or a note that is heavier
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Note Note
Metronome
A device that keeps the beat at an adjustable speed and is used to indicate the exact tempo of a composition. It was invented in 1816 by Maelzel of Vienna, Austria.
Quarter Note = 80 means 80 beats per minute
Two Beat Pattern
2 | > |
| note note |
Three Beat Pattern
3 | > |
| note note note |
Four Beat Pattern
4 | > > |
| note note note note |
Presto
Very fast
Allegro
Lively
Moderato
Moderate
Adante
Walking tempo
Adagio
Slow
Largo
Very slow
Whole note
0 = 4 beats. Clapping syllable - Too-oo-oo-oo
Whole rest
Sixteenth note
1/4 a beat. They are usually in groups of four. It takes 4 to make 1 beat
Clapping syllable tiri- tiri
Sixteenth rest
1/4 beat of silence
Looks like a 7 with two dots on two different stems
March Meter Signatures
2/4, 2/2 (¢), 6/8
March form
AA, BB, Trio
Accelerando (accel.)
The tempo speeds up
Ritardando (rit.)
The tempo slows down
Compound meter
When the top number in a time signature is divisible by 3.
3 (1) 6 (2) 9 (3) 12 (4)
8 8 8 8
Counterpoint
Composing with two or more melodies that are to be played simultaneously (at the same time). The word means “note against note”.
Fugue
A form where a main melody called a subject is stated in two or more parts successively
Toccata
A composition for keyboard instruments that contains fast runs (up and down the scale) and arpeggios (the notes of a chord played one after another). The word means “touch”.
Rondo
A form characterized by a repeated theme that alternates with other themes. A typical theme would be ABACABA.
Sonata form
The most important form of the Classical Period. It is a multi-movement composition (usually 3 or 4 movements) for a solo instrument which is sometimes accompanied by piano. The movements are usually Allegro, Adagio, Scherzo or Minuet (a dance like section, and Allegro ( Lively, Slow, Dance, Lively)
The three main parts of the 1st movement in a sonata (sonata-allegro) are
- Exposition (1st theme (A), transition, 2nd theme (B), Closing Theme (C)
- Development (the elaboration of a theme which often wanders through many keys)
- Recapitulation (a repeat of the exposition sometimes in a different key)
Concerto
A sonata for a solo instrument and the orchestra. The 1st movement is usually in sonata allegro form.
Symphony
A sonata for the orchestra (usually in 4 movements).
Polyphony
When two or more independent melodies are played at the same time.
Prelude
A musical introduction.
Baroque
- Meaning of word “Irregular Pearl”
- 1600-1750
- Major composers J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel
- Historical figures the pilgrims (1620)
- “MORE is MORE”
- Over the top decoration of clothes, buildings, decor (how a room is decorated), and music
- Musical Forms fugue, prelude, toccata
- Famous baroque building, Versailles
Classical
- 1750-1825
- Major composers- W.A. Mozart and Beethoven
- Historical figures- Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Lafayette, David Hudson, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
- Historical movements-
American Revolution
French Revolution
Declaration of Independence
Constitution - Symmetry is displayed in music, architecture, and decor (decoration)
- Fashion and buildings look like the ancient Grecian civilization which was idolized by the people during this time period.
- Less is more
- Musical form-
a. Sonata form (most important form of the time). A multi-movement composition for a solo instrument sometimes accompanied by piano.
b. Symphony - Sonata for an orchestra
c. Concerto - Sonata for a soloist and an orchestra - Famous Buildings: the White House, The Capitol, the Supreme Court, and any house in Hudson built before 1825 that shows Greek Revival architecture.
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