Music 10 – Elements of Music

26 question-and-answer flashcards summarizing key definitions, tempo markings, dynamics, textures, and musical forms from the lecture on the Elements of Music.

Which element of music refers to "time" and the beat people tap their foot to?

Rhythm

In rhythm, what word describes how long a sound or silence lasts?

Duration

What term refers to the speed of the beat in music?

Tempo

Which Italian tempo marking means very slow and labored?

Largo

Which tempo marking indicates a slow speed?

Adagio

Which tempo term signifies a steady “walking” speed?

Andante

What Italian word is used for a moderate tempo?

Moderato

Which tempo marking means fast or “happy”?

Allegro

What tempo marking indicates lively and fast playing?

Vivace

Which Italian term signifies a very fast tempo?

Presto

In rhythm, what is the organization of beats into recurring accent patterns called?

Meter

Which musical element deals with how loud or soft the music is?

Dynamics

What dynamic marking (Italian) means “very quiet”?

Pianissimo (pp)

Which dynamic marking stands for “moderately loud”?

Mezzo-forte (mf)

What does the symbol “<” indicate in a musical score?

Crescendo (gradual increase in loudness)

What term is used for the linear or horizontal presentation of pitch?

Melody

What do we call the vertical combination of pitches into chords?

Harmony

Which element of music describes the unique tone color or quality of a voice or instrument?

Timbre

What texture features only one note sounding at a time with no harmony?

Monophonic texture

Which texture has two or more notes sounding together, generally in the same rhythm?

Homophonic texture

Which texture consists of two or more independent melodies sounding simultaneously?

Polyphonic texture

Which vocal form repeats the same music for several verses (A A A)?

Strophic form

What musical form has two sections, both of which are usually repeated (A B)?

Binary form

Which three-part form returns to the opening section after a contrast (A B A)?

Ternary form

Place these dynamics in order from softest to loudest: p, mp, mf, f.

p (piano), mp (mezzo-piano), mf (mezzo-forte), f (forte)

What does the symbol “>” mean in dynamics?

Decrescendo (gradual decrease in loudness)