Intro to music

Music

The intentional arrangement of sounds in time by and for humans

Acoustics

science of sound; investigates how sound is produced and behaves

Acoustician

a person who studies the theory and science of acoustics

Acoustical Engineer

a person who works in the area of acoustic technology

Noise

Sounds not related by harmonious ratios

Sound

Mechanical movement of an audible pressure through a medium, and the recognition of it

Definite Pitch

a tone that is composed of an organized sound wave; easily discernable

Indefinite Pitch

Tone composed of a less organized wave; perceived as noise

Frequency

Repetitions of a wave pattern over time (Hertz or cycles per second)

Fundamental Pitch

The lowest pitch in the harmonic series

Overtones

Tones heard over the fundamental pitch, twice as fast as fundamental

Interval

Distance between two pitches

Octave

Relationship between same note with different frequencies (low C and high C)

Dynamic

Volume of a sound which corresponds with the amplitude

Timbre

Tone color, quality of sound. Shaped by equalization of fundamental

Melody

Coherent succession of definite pitches in time

Phrases

units that make up a melody

Motive

Single Rhythm (2-3 pitches) repeat often in sequences

Sequence

Repetition of motive or phrase at different pitch

Harmony

The way a melody is accompanied (concerned w/ different music sounds occurring simultaneously)

Chord

Simultaneous sounding of three or more pitches

Constant Interval

Pleasing to the ear, (unisons, octaves, 3rds,6ths, 4ths,5ths)

Dissonant Interval

Harsh/tense (seconds, sevenths, tritones)

Triad

Chord with 3 pitches (stacked)

Seventh Cord

4 pitches stacked

Tempo

Speed at which the beat is played

Tonic

Note from which other pitches are derived

Scale

Series of pitches ordered by interval between notes

Rhythm

Way music is organized with respect to time

Beat

Base unit of time in music

Tempo

Speed at which a beat is played (BPM)

Middle Ages

400-1400 CE, time between the end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. Credited with the development of the Gregorian chant, polyphones and gothic style

Pythagoras

Father of modern study of acoustics, credited for knowledge prior to middle ages

Chant

Monophonic acapella music

Monophony

Music with one melodic line, done by one or many at a time

Hymns

4 line strophes in Latin, same length/rhythm

Melisma

Singing of multiple pitches on one syllable of text

Cadence

Ends of musical sections or phrases

Perfect Intervals

Hollow/disturbing, 4th, 5th, octaves. Used in church because “perfect” is good for worship

Refrain

Repeating musical selection, generally w/ repeated text

Hildegard Von Bingen

1090-1179 CE, ¼ women considered a “doctor of the church”

Guillaume de Machaut

1300-1377 CE, 32 preserved manuscripts, first composer to write a polyphonic setting of the mass ordinary

Guido de Arezzo

991-1050 CE, created unified system of musical notation around 1000 CE

Renaissance Era

1400-1600 CE, shift towards humanism (renewed interest in learning, art, etc) Printing press was invented (Gutenberg press). Sistine chapel constructed

Imitation Polyphony

One voice introduces melody, another repeats it shortly after

Protestant Reformation

1517, Led by Martin Luther, protest against the church, led to increased congregational singing instead of just trained

Counter Reformation

Churches response, agreed whats the point if people do not understand

Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina

1525-1594 CE. Helped create music for the church with the needed balance (Missa Papae Marcelli). Served 10 popes, music to be used as outline for sacred music

Josquin des Prez

1489-1495, famous for polyphonic music in form of motets, masses. Highly recognized, others imitated

Characteristics of Ren music

Steady beat, imitative polyphony, thirds/triads (more merchant class) Worship AND entertainment/courtly love

Ottaviano Petrucci

1466-1539, first to large scale print Polyphonic music

Madrigal

Musical piece for several solo voices, set to a short poem

Motet

Scared Latin polyphonic choir work

Pavane

Solemn, duple meter (in twos), stomping with music

Gulliard

Typically with Pavane, triple meter (in threes) alternate rhythm to Pavane

Henry Purcell

1659-1695, wrote Dido and Aeneas(true opera) others were semi operas. Known for vocal writing and dramatic expression

Semi-Opera

Dialogue with dancing scenes

Baroque Era

1600-1750, highly ornamental/elaborate. Baroque was used like grotesque(not a compliment). Artistic experimentation, international trade, more opera. Palace of Versailles built

Opera

Invented ~1600. Has music, drama, costumes, acting. Pinnacle of storytelling in Baroque era. Two parts recitative and aria

Recitative

Imitates natural speech, “converstation”

Aria

Elaborate songs, explores feelings and demonstrates skill

Baroque orchestral instruments

String family(violin, viola,cello, double bass), bass continuo, woodwinds, brass

Basso Continuo

Continuous bass line that provides harmonic support (harpsichord, small organ, lute, cello, and/or bassoon)

Oratorio

Large scale vocal work (religious) without costumes/acting

Cantata

Multiple movements for singers + instrumental accompaniment. Can be sacred or secular

Concerto

Solo instrument (or group) performing with orchestra

Sonata

Written for solo or small group, explores techniques/expressions

Suite

Collection of short pieces performed as one, provides variety through tempo/mood

Figue

Highly organized, built around single idea(subject), voices/instruments introduced one after another. most associated with Bach

Allemande

Moderate Tempo

Courante

Lively/flowing tempo

Sarabande

Slow/Expressive tempo

Gigue

Fast/energetic tempo

Claudio Monteverdi

1567-1643, helped bridge gap between Ren and Baroque era, developed early operas

Antonio Vivaldi

1678-1741, “red priest'“ wrote concertos showcasing violin (including 4 seasons)

George Frideric Handel

1685-1759, famous for large scale dramatic/memorable oratorios and operas

Johann Sebastian Bach

1685-1750, one of the greatest western composers. Worked primarily for churches. 4/20 of his kids became composers. Death marked end of Baroque era