Introduction to Song Forms, Music History, and Vaudeville

Vocabulary flashcards covering key music history terms, song structures, prominent composers, historical genres, and cultural concepts discussed in the lecture.

Section A

The first primary musical section of a song following an introduction, defined by its chord progression and melody rather than its lyrics.

Section B

A contrasting musical section in song form that follows Section A to create variation.

Verse-Chorus Song Form

A common popular music structure where the verse features changing lyrics over a repeating melody, and the chorus features repeating lyrics and melody.

Henry Purcell

A classical composer from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who legitimized popular music by incorporating popular English songs into his operas.

Air

A type of popular song in England during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that classical composers like Henry Purcell integrated into operas.

Parlor Song

A semi-formal style of popular music from the eighteen hundreds intended for home performance, often with women acting as accompanists.

William Billings

One of the earliest post-American popular composers who wrote inspirational music during the Revolutionary War referencing the 'shackles of slavery' in the context of British taxation without representation.

Vaudeville

America's most popular variety show entertainment at the beginning of the twentieth century, featuring affordable touring acts such as singers, jugglers, dancers, and ethnic caricature sketches to showcase the latest music.

Tin Pan Alley

A location in New York in the late eighteen hundreds and early nineteen hundreds that gave rise to a prominent cluster of songwriters and songwriting styles.

The Sidewalks of New York

A Tin Pan Alley song written in a three-four time signature with a distinct waltz feel.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

A book by Mark Twain about a runaway boy and an escaped slave that served both as an adventure story and a commentary against slavery.