Music Theory: Melody, Harmony, Cadences, and Form

What are chords (triads) in music?

Chords (triads) have specific functions that encourage movement from one to another, forming progressions.

What are the three main types of chords in simple progressions?

Tonic (I or i), Subdominant (IV or iv), and Dominant (V).

What is a melody?

A melody is the succession of single tones, distinct from harmony and rhythm.

What is a motive in music?

A motive is the smallest recognizable musical idea, characterized by distinctive rhythms and/or pitches.

What is a phrase in music?

A phrase is the basic unit of musical thought, similar to a sentence, often symmetrical and consisting of 4 or 8 measures.

What is a cadence?

A cadence is the resolution (or partial resolution) of a phrase, indicating a sense of finality.

What is the difference between a weak and a strong cadence?

Weak cadences provide less finality, while strong cadences provide a complete resolution.

What is harmonic rhythm?

Harmonic rhythm is the speed of chord changes in a piece of music.

What is an authentic cadence?

An authentic cadence occurs when a dominant harmony moves to a tonic harmony at the end of a phrase (V or V7 - I or i).

What is a Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC)?

PAC occurs when harmony moves from root position dominant to root position tonic, with the melody ending on the tonic.

What is an Imperfect Authentic Cadence (IAC)?

IAC occurs when harmony moves from root position dominant to root position tonic, but the melody may end on scale degrees 3 or 5.

What is a Half Cadence (HC)?

HC is an incomplete sound where the phrase ends on the dominant harmony (V or V7) without tonic resolution.

What is a Deceptive Cadence?

A deceptive cadence occurs when the dominant harmony resolves to an unexpected chord, often vi instead of I in major.

What are Plagal Cadences?

Plagal cadences move from the subdominant to the tonic, often associated with the 'Amen' at the end of hymns.

What does 'form' refer to in music?

Form refers to the structure of a piece, including sections, their relationships, and repetitions.

How is musical form described?

Musical form is described using letters (A, B, C, etc.) that correspond with specific themes.

What is Ternary Form?

Ternary form consists of three components: A, B, and A (or A'), often with an introduction and coda.

What is Rondo Form?

Rondo form features a recurring theme (A) interspersed with different sections (B, C, D, etc.).

What is Sonata Form?

Sonata form includes Exposition (main themes), Development (fragmentation of themes), Recapitulation (restatement), and Coda (ending).

What characterizes the Exposition in Sonata Form?

The Exposition states the main themes, usually labeled A and B.

What occurs during the Development phase of Sonata Form?

Themes are fragmented and explored through new harmonies.

What is the purpose of the Coda in Sonata Form?

The Coda serves as a short ending that reinforces the key of the piece.