GCSE MUSIC ENSEMBLE

Solo

A piece of music (or section of) with 1 main instrument / singer.

Duet

A piece of music (or section of) with 2 main instruments / singers.

Trio

A piece of music (or section of) with 3 main instruments / singers.

Basso Continuo

Literally meaning 'continuous bass'

Soprano

High female voice.

Alto

Low female voice.

Tenor

High male voice.

Bass

Low male voice.

Backing vocals

Singers who provide vocal harmony or countermelodies for the lead vocalist.

Acapella

Singing without any instrumental backing or accompaniment.

Orchestra

Large instrumental ensemble which has four families of instruments: string, woodwind, brass and percussion.

String Quartet

Group of four string instruments - two violins, a viola and a cello.

Pop/Rock Group

Small ensemble that performs rock/pop music.

Rhythm Section

Part of a pop or jazz group that supplies the rhythm, i.e. bass, drums and guitar/keyboard (playing the chords).

Acoustic Musical instruments

Instruments whose sound is not electronically generated through an amplifier.