Music GCSE basics p2

Harmonic rhythm

The rate at which the chords change

Perfect cadence

V-I sounds finished

Imperfect cadence

V sounds unfinished

Basso continuo

Continuous bass parts

Soprano

High usually female

Alto

Low usually female

No of beats in a breve

8

4

Number of beats in a semibreve

2

Number of beats in a minim

1

Number of beats in a crochet

1/2

Number of beats in a quaver

Dots

Adds on half the value of the note

Ties

Joins two notes together to combine their value

Diminution

Rhythm is repeated but note values are shortened

Augmentation

When rhythm is repeated but note values are lengthened

Cross rhythm

The effect produced when 2 conflicting rythms are heard together

Syncopation

When notes are played/ held over the beat

Polyrhythm

When 2 or more rhthyms can be heard together

Triplet

When 3 notes are played in the time of 2

Monophonic

One single line that cns be a solo or played by several people

Melody dominated homophony

Melody and accompaniment

Chordal homophony

The parts move in block chords like a hymn

Polyphonic

More than one melody happening at the same time

Heterophonic

Where another part plays the same melody line but decorates

Anti phony

Where there are 2 or more groups of instruments and ideas are passed between them

Counter melody

A second melody that is played against the original melody

Parrellel motion

All parts are moving in the same direction

Contrary motion

Parts are moving in opposite directions