Elements of Music (Video)

Flashcards from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX9bm4FpLXM

Pitch

The highness/lowness of a sound

Melody

• Typically formed by a succession of pitches that create a recognizable tune.

• A single line of notes or a monophonic passage in which notes are played one by one.

Rhythm

The organized arrangement of sound and periods of silence by musical notes and rests.

Harmony

• The combination of different musical notes of sung together to create a pleasing or agreeable sound.

• Involves the simultaneous sounding of 2 or more pitches.

Texture

• How the various layers of sound, lines, or voices interact or relate to each other.

• Can be described by thickness/thinness

Monophonic texture

A single melodic line without any harmonic accompaniment.

Homophonic texture

A single melody supported by chordal harmony.

Polyphonic texture

Multiple independent melodies occurring simulatneously.

Harmony vs. texture

• Harmony is about how it blends.

• Texture is about how it feels.

Tímbre

• The unique quality or tone color of a sound.

• It is what allows us to distinguish between different instruments or voices.

• Contributes to texture.

Tempo

• The speed or pace at which a piece of music is performed.

• Indicated by BPM (Beats per minute)

Dynamics

The varying levels of volume or intensity.