Music Concepts

Describe Plainchant

Type of medieval church music, sung without accompaniment. Flowing melodies, usually within the range of one octave. Smooth stepwise movement and is Latin.

Describe Concertino

A tiny group of soloists and is often two violins with a cello.

Describe Ripieno

Ripped away from the group of soloists.

Describe Ritornello

In 3 movements (quick-slow-quick), each ritornello is marked ‘tutti’, meaning whole orchestra.

Describe Sonata

Solo instrument played with piano/harpsichord

Describe Cadences

Sequence of two chords, which end a musical phrase, just as a full stop or a comma might appear at the end of a sentence.

Describe Perfect Cadence

Chords V - I and it sounds finished.

Describe Imperfect Cadence

Chords IV - V and it sounds unfinished.

Describe Interrupted Cadence

Chords V - II or VI and it ends on a minor chord.

Describe Plagal Cadence

Chords IV - I and amen. It sounds unfinished, (listen to see if the end moves up 4 intervals).

What is melismatic?

Vocal music where several notes are sung to each syllable.

What is syllabic?

Vocal music where each note is given one syllable.

What is a walking bass?

A moving bass line with notes usually of the same value. It is often found in jazz styles.

What is ground bass?

A theme in the bass which is repeated many times while the upper parts are varied.