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Appreciation of music
midterm 1
129
Music
Undergraduate 2
09/20/2011

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Term
Orchestra
Definition
A large ensemble of acoustic instruments such as violins, trumpets, and flutes
Term
Beat
Definition
an even pulse that divides the passing of time into equal units
Term
Tempo
Definition
the speed at which the beats progress (bpm)
Term
Ritardando
Definition
getting slower
Term
accelerando
Definition
getting faster
Term
Meter
Definition
the gathering of beats into regular groups
Term
Duple
Definition
every other beat is stressed ONE two, ONE two, ONE two, two beats per measure
Term
triple
Definition
emphasize every third beat ONE two three, ONE two three
Term
Time signature
Definition
two numbers, one on top of the other, placed at the beginning of the music to tell the performer how the beats of the music are to be grouped. top number indicates how many beats there are per measure; the bottom number tells what note value receives the beat
Term
Suppressed Meter
Definition
sometimes the meter is obscured by an unclear beat or complexity
Term
Measure
Definition
also called bar, a group of beats
Term
Downbeat
Definition
the first beat, indicated by a downward movement of the hand, strongest beat in any given measure
Term
Rhythm
Definition
the organization of time in music, divides time into long and short spans
Term
Whole note
Definition
4 beats
Term
half note
Definition
two beats
Term
quarter note
Definition
one beat
Term
eighth note
Definition
1/2 beat
Term
sixteenth note
Definition
1/4 beat
Term
rest
Definition
indicate silence
Term
Syncopation
Definition
places the accent either on a weak beat or between the beats
Term
Melody
Definition
the tune of a piece, the part we sing to
Term
Conjuct melody
Definition
stepwise motion, up and down the scale
Term
Disjunct melody
Definition
movement by leaps
Term
Pitch
Definition
the relative position, high or low, of a musical sound
Term
Frequency
Definition
the number of times a sound wave completes a cycle in a given period of time. measured in Hertz. as the frequency increases, we perceive the pitch to be higher and vise versa. audible range is from 20-20,000 Hz
Term
Octave
Definition
when one frequency is exactly twice another frequency they form an octave
Term
Whole step
Definition
comprised of two half steps
Term
half step
Definition
also called semitones, divide up an octave in the west into 12 equal half steps
Term
Treble Clef
Definition
designates the upper range and is appropriate for high instruments
Term
Bass Clef
Definition
covers the lower range and is used for lower instruments
Term
Scale
Definition
a fixed pattern of tones within the octave that ascends and descends
Term
Major scale
Definition
follows a seven-note pattern moving upward
1-1-1/2-1-1-1-1/2
usually associated with joy and happiness
Term
Minor scale
Definition
1-1/2-1-1-1/2-1-1
usually associated with fear and sorrow
Term
Chromatic scale
Definition
makes use of all twelve pitches, equally divided, within the octave. all twelve pitches are just a half step apart
Term
Key
Definition
something like a "gravitational field" that embodies both the scale of the melody and the strong pull of its tonic pitch

tonic= first note of the scale
Term
modulation
Definition
changing the key within a composition
Term
Phrase
Definition
a distinct section of a melody
may be marked by commas in lyrics, breaths, rests, or the shape of the melody
analogous to phrases in speech
ends with a cadence
Term
Harmony
Definition
results when multiple pitches sound simultaneously, provides support and foundation for the melody, adds depth and richness
Term
Chord
Definition
an organized set of major or minor notes sounded simultaneously
Term
Triad
Definition
basic western chord, consists of three pitches built off any note of the scale, using every other note (1,3,5)
Term
chord progression
Definition
a movement of chords in a purposeful fashion, easiest to hear in bass first, chords can only harmonize a small number of melody notes, so in order to keep the harmony consonant with the melody, chords must continually change
Term
Arpeggio
Definition
broken or staggered chord, notes played sequentially to give a sense of activity, can be played in the melody or harmony
Term
Dissonance
Definition
when the frequencies of the two notes do not have a simple ratio

pitches sounding momentarily disagreeable and unstable, chords that contain pitches that are very close to one another, just a half or whole step apart sound dissonant, feeling of tension and anxiety in music
Term
Consonance
Definition
when the frequencies of the two notes have a simple ratio 2:1, 3:2, 5:4, sound is pleasing

ex: the octave, the perfect 5th, the perfect 4th

chords that involve a third, produce sense of calmness and stability
Term
Cadence
Definition
the portion of a musical phrase that leads to its last chord, usually encompasses the final two, three, four, or five notes of the melody and its accompanying chords.

follows specific harmonic formulas
Term
Plagal "amen" cadence
Definition
sounding restful and peaceful, often heard in religious services it moves (IV-I)
Term
Deceptive cadence
Definition
surprises and deceives the listener (I-VI)
Term
half cadence
Definition
IV-V doesn't finish the phrase- doesn't end on the tonic but instead leaves the listener hanging, quizzical, waiting for more
Term
whole cadence
Definition
brings with it a feeling of real conclusion, saying "THE END!!!" (V-I)
Term
Motive
Definition
a short, distinctive melodic figure that stands by itself, serves as the basis for creating melodies
Term
Tonic (I)
Definition
the first of the seven notes of the scale, and the eighth, and last one as well

built on the first degree of the scale, provides rest and sense of arrival

the central pitch around which the melody and harmony gravitate
Term
Dominant (V)
Definition
built on the fifth degree of the scale, tends to move to the tonic
Term
Dynamics
Definition
the various levels of volume, loud and soft, at which sounds are produced
Term
Dynamic terms
Definition
Fortissimo=very loud ff
forte=loud f
mezzo forte= moderately loud mf
mezzo piano= moderately soft mp
piano= soft p
pianissimo= very soft pp
Term
Crescendo
Definition
growing louder <
Term
decrescendo
Definition
growing softer >
Term
amplitude
Definition
range that determines dynamics in music
Term
Timbre
Definition
the tone quality of musical sound. Terms of sensation in which a listener can judge that two sounds having the same loudness and pitch are dissimilar. determined largely by the spectrum and temporal pattern
Term
Tone color
Definition
the tone quality of any sound produced by a voice or instrument

ex: difference between flute and trombone playing the same note
Term
Overtones
Definition
more than one sound is produced when an instrument is sounded.

Fundamental: the note being played
Harmonics: faintly-heard pitches, created by fractional vibrations when a note is played on an instrument

each instrument produces a unique pattern of loud and soft harmonics
Term
attack
Definition
the onset of a sound (aka the beginning of the note)
Term
Strings
Definition
all instruments that produce sound by means of vibrating strings: guitar, banjo, ukelele, harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass
Term
Violin
Definition
smallest orchestral string instrument, has the highest pitch, often plays the melody.

sound produced by a bow pulled across one of four strings held tightly in place by tuning pegs at one end and a tailpiece at the other
Term
Viola
Definition
"alto" voice of the violin, slightly larger and lower pitch than the violin, darker more somber tone
Term
Cello
Definition
held between the legs, rich expressive tone, provide a low bass sound as well as a lyrical melody
Term
double bass
Definition
gives weight and power to the bass line in the orchestra, largest orchestral string instrument, performer stands next to it while playing, doubled the cello part (played one octave lower)
Term
Harp
Definition
a common folk instrument throughout the world, sometimes added to the orchestra, adds color and effects to music
Term
Woodwinds
Definition
tube with holes that can be covered or uncovered to change the pitch of the instrument, the larger the instrument or length of pipe, the lower the sound, sound produced by a vibrating reed (clarinet, oboe, saxophone) or column of air (flute)
Term
Brass
Definition
sound produced by vibrating lips on a mouthpiece

by adjusting valves or moving a slide, the performer can make the length of the pipe on the instrument longer or shorter and hence the pitch lower or higher
Term
Percussion
Definition
sound generated by striking an object, causing it to vibrate either by hitting the head of a drum with a stick or by banging or scraping a piece of metal or wood in one fashion or another.

sharpen the rhythmic contour of the music, add color to the sounds of other instruments, heighten the sense of climax in a piece

snare drum, bass drum, cymbals don't produce musical pitch

xylophone, glockenspiel, celesta do generate specific pitches
Term
Flute
Definition
woodwind, air blown across a sharp edge, originally made out of wood, piccolo is a smaller higher flute
Term
Clarinet
Definition
woodwind, air blown through a mouthpiece with a single reed, mellow smooth sound when playing low notes, shrill sound when playing high notes
Term
Oboe
Definition
woodwind, air is blown through a pair of reeds, a nasal, slightly exotic sound
Term
Bassoon
Definition
woodwind, air is blown through a pair of reeds, bass of the woodwind family
Term
saxophone
Definition
woodwind, made out of metal, air blown through a mouthpiece, single reed: mouthpiece similar to the clarinet, occasionally added to the orchestra, jazz bands use baritone, tenor, alto, and sometimes soprano saxophones
Term
Trumpet
Definition
brass, high brilliant sound
Term
French Horn
Definition
associated with hunting and mountains, similar in range to the trombone and euphonium
Term
Trombone
Definition
brass, generates sound by a moving slid, sound slightly clearer, more focused than the french horn
Term
Tuba
Definition
brass, the largest brass instrument, contributes to the foundation of the orchestral sound
Term
Timpani (kettledrums)
Definition
produce a specific pitch, most often heard in classical music, detached strokes or hit rapidly to produce a thunderlike roll, the function of the timpani is to add depth, tension, and drama to the music, usually four in the orchestra
Term
Xylophone
Definition
percussion, a set of wooden bars that when struck by two hard mallets, produce a dry, wooden sound
Term
Glockenspiel
Definition
works the same way as a xylophone, but the bars are made of metal so that the tone is brighter and more ringing
Term
Celesta
Definition
produces sound when hammers strike metal bars, but the hammers are activated by keys, as in a piano, the tone is bright and tinkling
Term
pipe organ
Definition
keyboard, player depresses a key that allows air to rush into a pipe, thereby producing sound. the pipes are arranged in separate groups according to their shape and material, each group produces a full range of musical pitches with one special timbre.

keyboard operated by feet, often more than one keyboard for hands, greek instrument

stops can be used to add musical color, the most forceful sound occurs when all the stops have been activated
Term
Harpsichord
Definition
keyboard, produces sound by strings. when a key is depressed, it drives a lever upward that in turn forces a pick to pluck a string. this creates a bright, jangling sound. all strings produce the same volume, Renaissance and Baroque instrument (1400)
Term
Piano
Definition
strings are hit by a soft hammer, a lever mechanism makes it possible for the player to regulate how hard each string is struck, thus producing softs and louds. invented around 1700
Term
Voice
Definition
when we sing we force air up through our vocal cords (two folds of mucous membrane within the throat), causing them to vibrate. Men's vocal cords are longer and thicker than women's, and for that reason the sound of the mature male voice is lower

two women parts: soprano and alto
two male parts: tenor and bass

From high to low: soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass
Term
Texture
Definition
density and arrangement of artistic elements
disposition of musical lines
ex: dense, heavy, light, thin
Term
Marimba
Definition
percussion, wooden bars struck by mallets
Term
Chimes
Definition
percussion, hanging metal tubes struck by mallets
Term
Drum set
Definition
ride cymbal, floor tom, toms, bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat cymbals. played with sticks or brushes
Term
Monophony
Definition
one sounding, single line of music, no accompaniment, multiple people sing or play the same line
Term
Polyphony
Definition
many sounding, Counterpoint: harmonious opposition of independent musical lines, tow or more independent lines sounding simultaneously
Term
Free counterpoint (Polyphony)
Definition
each line a different, independent melody, common in jazz improvisation, particularly New Orleans early jazz
Term
Imitative counterpoint (Polyphony)
Definition
voices duplicate some portion of the previous voice, but all voices move independently

canon: voices exactly duplicate the preceding voice
fugue: less strict than a canon, but still imitative
Term
Homophony
Definition
melody and accompaniment, melody is most important, other voices create supporting harmony

most common texture used in chorales, hymns, christmas, carols, folk songs
Term
Form
Definition
the purposeful organization of a piece of music using repetition, contrast, and variation of musical elements.

creates large-scale organization and coherence: organized and groups phrases into sections, sections are then put in a certain order, repeated, and/or vaired
Term
Strophic Form
Definition
AAA. most familiar musical form, hymns, carols, folk songs, and patriotic songs, music repeats for each stanza of text
Term
Theme and Variations
Definition
AA1A2A3
each repetition of the melody altered, melodic embellishment, new harmony, rhythmic alterations, changes in timbre and texture , theme in A, each variation gets a superscript number

ex: twinkle, twinkle, little star
Term
Binary Form
Definition
A B
two contrasting units: balance and complement each other, dissimilar mood, key, or melody creates variety, sections often repeated AABB, used commonly in stylized dance forms
Term
Ternary Form
Definition
ABA
B section in a contrasting style, change in melody and key, usually a change in timbre (instrumentation, range) A section returns
Term
Band
Definition
a large instrumental ensemble that includes brass and percussion and sometimes woodwinds, never a string section
Term
Wind band
Definition
symphonic or concert band, clarinets usually carry the dominant melodic material that the violins usually play in the orchestra
Term
Brass band
Definition
only brass and percussion
Term
Functional band
Definition
Term
School band
Definition
between the two world wars, retired military band veterans began teaching band in the public schools

bands were not associated with athletics until the 1900s, harvard and yale had bands in 1827

most schools have concert and marching bands
Term
marching band
Definition
popular at athletic events due to the larger stadiums

military like clothing used to represent the military uniforms worn when marching bands originated
Term
Haut instruments
Definition
ensembles that aimed for popular appeal and performed lighter compositions, bands descended from this loud music suited for the outdoors
Term
Bas instruments
Definition
associated with "serious music" of the upper class, orchestra emerged from this, quiter instruments suited for indoor use
Term
John Philip Sousa
Definition
1854-1932 conducted the marine band before starting his own professional band, known as the "march king" because he wrote many famous marches

wrote stars and strips forever (national anthem)
Term
Eugene Bozza
Definition
French composer and conductor 1905-1991 known for his works with wind instruments, includes styles such as expressionism, serialism, minimalism, was the director of the premier opera house in Paris
Term
Richard Strauss
Definition
1964-1949 German Composer
son of a horn player and conductor
went on to have a tremedously long career
Don Juan was written when he was 24 and the success of the work launched his career
Term
Kant and Schopenhauer
Definition
Highly influential philosophers who developed the idea that instrumental music can reach a higher truth

instrumental music became separate form other music that appealed to the masses

lead to Art music/popular music divide

eventually established orchestras in all major U.S. Cities
Term
Arrangement
Definition
musical composition specified to the performance
Term
Performance style
Definition
Term
Compositional style
Definition
Term
A cappella
Definition
a term applied to unaccompanied vocal music; no instruments
Term
Register
Definition
highest-falsetto
high-head voice
passaggio (tansition area)
low-chest voice

relative to pitch
Term
head voice
Definition
singer experiences the tone resonating in their head rather than their chest or throat
Term
chest voice
Definition
belting, achieved by tilting the larynx (voice box) and pushing the air through the vocal chords at high pressure
Term
falsetto
Definition
highest range, available to both male and female voices but it is most distinctive when used by male voices

ex: beach boys, gnarls barkley, michael jackson
Term
yodeling
Definition
the singer deliberately breaks her voice so that she can quickly travel from the lowest register to the highest and back again
Term
chorus
Definition
a textual refrain that repeats
Term
range
Definition
the lowest to the highest pitch
Term
vibrato
Definition
in instruments: by shaking the hand it stops the string, the performer can produce a sort of controlled "wobble" in the pitch, this adds richness to the tone of the string because, in fact, it creates a blend of two or more pitches
Term
orchestra in the U.S.A
Definition
imported to the USA from europe, not used for military or civic purposes, lacks the nobility and extravagant religious culture that supported orchestras in europe
Term
Stars and Stripes Forever
Definition
Composer: John Phillips Sousa
Genre: March
Ensemble: Wind Band
Texture: alternates between homophonic and polyphonic
Major,Duple
Term
Children's Overture
Definition
composer: Eugene Bozza genre: overture ensemble: wind band form: ABA (fast slow fast) followed by a fast ending called a coda Duple, Major contains small fragments of children's songs depicts children playing soldiers
Term
Don Juan
Definition
composer: Richard Strauss Genre: Tone Poem Ensemble: Orchestra based on the fictional story of a womanizer named Don Juan, exceptionally difficult piece for most players in the orchestra
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