Texture Flashcards
What is a monophonic texture?
A single melodic line with no harmonies or other melodies, it may be sung or played by more than one voice or instrument.
What is a homophonic texture?
A chordal style, or melody plus chords, which sometimes provide a rhythmic contrast.
What is a polyphonic texture?
A more complex style which presents the melody (or melodies) in imitation or in counterpoint.
What is 2-part texture?
Music written for 2-part voices or instruments.
What is 3-part texture?
Music written for 3-part voices or instruments.
What is 4-part texture?
Music written for 4-part voices or instruments.
What is unison?
When all parts are playing the same music at the same pitch.
What is chordal texture?
When parts move together creating a succession of chords.
What is imitation in music?
When one part ‘copies’ the other.
What is layered texture?
Different layers of sound create musical texture.
What is melody and accompaniment?
A tune with an independent accompaniment/backing.
What is a countermelody?
A new melody, combined with the theme.
What is a descant?
A decorative (higher) line added to the main tune.
What is a round?
A short (vocal) canon.
What is a canon?
When the melody is repeated exactly after the first, with some overlapping.
What is a drone?
Constantly repeated or sustained note(s).
What is Alberti Bass?
A type of accompaniment figure that uses broken chords.
What are stab chords?
Short, ‘staccato’ chords that add impact and ‘punch’ to the music.
What is walking bass?
A steady, continuous, mainly stepwise bass line.
What is antiphonal texture?
Texture split into two (or more parts) which sing/play alternate parts in the music.
