Music Theory: Composers and Musical Terminology

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering composer biographies, key signatures, instruments, musical forms, tempo and dynamic markings, and expression terms.

Bach (Biographical details)

German composer born in 1685 in eisnach, died at age 65 in liepzig.

Bach (Musical profile)

Key: e major; Instruments: keyboard instruments (clavichord, organ) + viola and violin; Form: binary, binary, rondeau.

Bruch (Biographical details)

German composer born in 1838 in cologne, died at age 82 in berlin.

Bruch (Musical profile)

Key: g minor; Instruments: piano + violin; Form: sonata form, rondo form.

Paganini (Biographical details)

Italian composer born in 1782 in Genoa, died at age 57 in Nice, France.

Paganini (Musical profile)

Key: b minor; Instruments: violin; Form: rondo.

Shosta (Biographical details)

Russian composer born in 1906 in St Petersburg, died at age 68 in Moscow.

Shosta (Musical profile)

Key: atonal; Instruments: piano.

Largamente

Broadly, stately, and usually a bit slow.

Un poco più lento

A little slower.

Allegretto

Fairly quick and light (faster than Andante, but slower than Allegro).

Meno mosso

Less movement (slower).

Più mosso

More movement (faster).

Molto moderato

Very moderate (at a very medium speed).

Modo ordinario

In the ordinary way (used to cancel out a previous special instruction like Sul ponticello).

Grazioso

Gracefully and elegantly.

Leggierissimo

Very lightly and delicately.

Energico

Energetically and powerfully.

Capriccioso

Capricciously, unpredictably, and humorously (spelled Capriccioso in Italian).

Rfz (Rinforzando)

Reinforcing the tone (a sudden, strong emphasis on a note or short phrase).

Sfz

Forced, sharp abrupt percussive sound to one singular note.

Sempre cresc (Sempre crescendo)

Always getting louder.

Ad libitum

At liberty (the performer can choose the speed, rhythm, or volume freely).

Sul ponticello

On the bridge (bowing or plucking very close to the instrument's bridge to create a glassy, high-pitched sound).