Theory Terms AIM Level 11

Ad libitum

Freedom to improvise or vary the tempo

Aria

A composition for solo voice, often in operas, mostly accompanied by orchestra

Asymmetrical meter

The combination of two simple meters where the pulse cannot be divided into 2, 3, or 4 beats per measure

Bi-tonal

The use of two different keys at the same time

Church modes

Seven diatonic scales comprised of different arrangements of whole and half steps

Counterpoint

The use of two or more melodic lines simultaneously (BACH)

Diatonic scale

A scale with seven different tones

Dominant 7th chord

A major triad with a minor 7th added above the root, found on scale degree 5

First inversion triad

A triad that has its third as the lowest pitch

Half cadence

Any cadence which ends on the dominant triad (V)

Homophonic music

Melodic interest is concentrated in one line supported by an accompaniment

Interval inversion

Turning an interval upside down so that the lower tone becomes the higher tone or the higher tone becomes the lower tone

Invention

A short contrapuntal piece based on one theme (BACH)

Major interval

The intervals found in a major scale using scale degrees 1-2, 1-3, 1-6, and 1-7

Meter

The organizing pattern of strong and weak beats

Monophonic music

A single line of melody without any additional parts or accompaniment

Opera

A theatrical drama that is sung and set to music

Oratorio

A sacred theatrical drama that is sung but performed without action, costumes or scenery

Overture

An orchestral composition used to introduce a large dramatic work

Parallel keys

Major and minor keys that share the same tonic (same name)

Perfect interval

The intervals found in a major scale using scale degrees 1-1, 1-4, 1-5, 1-8

Phrase

Parts of a melody which ends with a cadence of some type

Plagal cadence

A cadence consisting of the subdominant progressing to tonic, IV-I (iv-i)

Polyphonic music

Music in which two or more melodies are heard at the same

Prelude

A small composition that is usually followed by a larger composition in the same key

Rondo form

A composition in which the first theme returns repeatedly

Senza

Without

Voice leading

The procedures governing the movement of voices in chord progressions

Scale note names

Tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, leading note