MUSC 10003 - Experiencing Music: Exam 1 Flashcards

Music

The art of combining sounds to create harmony, melody, and rhythm to express emotions or ideas.

Melody

A sequence of notes forming the main tune.

Harmony

Combination of notes played together for a pleasing sound.

Rhythm

The pattern of beats or timing in music.

Timbre

The unique sound quality of an instrument or voice.

Dynamics

The volume of music (loud or soft).

Texture

How layers of sound interact (thick or thin).

Form

The structure or layout of a musical piece.

Notes

Symbols representing sound and pitch.

Staff

Five horizontal lines where notes are written.

Clef

Symbol indicating pitch range (e.g., treble clef for high notes, bass clef for low notes).

Time Signature

Tells the number of beats per measure and the note value of each beat.

Key Signature

Shows which notes are sharp or flat in the piece.

Rest

Symbols indicating silence for a specific duration.

Tempo

Speed of the music (e.g., Allegro – fast, Adagio – slow).

Accelerando

Gradually speeding up.

Ritardando

Gradually slowing down.

Crescendo

Gradually getting louder.

Decrescendo

Gradually getting softer.

Pitch

Perceived highness or lowness of a sound.

Overtones

Higher frequencies that resonate with the main pitch.

Frequency

Number of sound wave vibrations per second (measured in Hertz).

Amplitude

Determines volume (loudness).

Duration

Length of time a sound lasts.

Strings

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp.

Woodwinds

Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon.

Brass

Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba.

Percussion

Timpani, Snare Drum, Cymbals, Xylophone.

No Piano

The harpsichord and organ were common; the piano was just emerging.

Music Purpose

Mostly for church, royal courts, or ceremonies—less for public concerts.

Patronage System

Musicians worked for churches or nobility, not as independent artists.

Ornamentation

Baroque music was highly decorative and expressive.

Cantata

Vocal work with instrumental accompaniment, often sacred.

Concerto

Composition featuring a soloist with an orchestra.

J.S. Bach

German composer and organist known for intricate counterpoint and works like 'The Well-Tempered Clavier'.

G.F. Handel

German-born composer known for operas and oratorios like 'Messiah', influential in British music.

A. Vivaldi

Italian Baroque composer known for 'The Four Seasons' and influential in shaping the concerto form.