Topic 1: The 7 Elements of Music

Definition of Form

It is the s____, s____, and o____ and c____.

An i____ o____ p____ in all arts.

shape, structure, organization, coherence.

important organizing principle

Definition of Musical Form

The o____ of m____ i___ and/or e____ in t____.

It is p____ by r____ the v___ p____ and seeing how the r____ to each other.

organization, musical ideas, elements, time.

perceived, recalling, various parts, relate

Musical Form

• Determined by the b____ between u____ and v____ —> s____ a listener’s interest in music

balance, unity, variety —> sustain

Factors that Contribute to Unity and Variety

1. R____

2. C____

3. V____

1. repetition

2. contrast

3. variation

Definition of Repetition

The r____ of a p____, s____, or e___ m____ m____, often used to create a sense of u____.

It creates b____ and s____ when a t____ is played at the b____ and at the e___ of a musical composition.

T___ m___ repetition can be b___ and f____.

reiteration, phrase, section, entire movement, unity.

balance, symmetry, beginning, end

Too much, boring, frustration.

Definition of Contrast

F____ m____, c____, and c___ of m____ is driven by c____.

Examples:

• loud vs soft volume

• fast vs slow tempo

• major vs minor key

S___ differences of p___, d___, r___, and t____ provide a v____ and c____ of m____.

However, t___ m____ variety causes c____ and d____.

forward motion, conflict, change, mood, contrast.

striking, pitch, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, variety, change, mood

striking, pitch, dynamic, rhythm, tempo, variety, change, mood

too much, confusion, disorder

Definition of Variation

The r____ of a t____ or b___ m____ i____ in a m____ or a____ f____ that provides a sense of u____ and v____ s____.

It is the c____ of s___ f____ of a m____ i____ while r____ o____.

Examples:

• A melody being restated with a different accompaniment

• Pitches of a melody remaining the same while its rhythmic pattern is changed.

repetition, theme, base musical idea, modified, altered form, unity, variety simultaneously.

changing, some features, musical idea, retaining others.

Musical Analysis of Musical Form

• Using l____ (e.g. A, B, C etc.)

• Variations of phrases or sections are labelled with ‘ (e.g. A’)

letters

List the 4 types of musical forms

1. binary

2. ternary

3. variation

4. rondo

Binary Form

• A s____ (A) following by a c____ (B)
  e.g. AAB, ABB, or AABB

• L____ sections may be divided into s____
  e.g. A can be divided into aa’

• Equal or unequal in length

• B almost always r____ to the h___ k___ (sense of f____)

statement, counterment

large, subsections

returns, home key, finality

Ternary Form

• s____ (A), c____ / d____ (B), r____ (A)

• Can be subdivided:

A, B, A

aba, cdc, aba

• statement, contrast / departure, return

Variation Form

The b____ m____ i____ (t____) is r____ over and over, with variation either in m____, r____, h____, d____, and t___ c____.

Example: A, A’, A’’, A’’’

basic musical idea (theme), repeated, melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, tone color.

Rondo Form

The m___ t____ (A) is a____ with o___ t____.

Examples:

• ABA C A

• ABA C ABA

main theme, alternated, other themes

Importance Of Form

1. Allows us f___ a particular p____ of m____ by giving it a r____ s____.

2. Provides s____ and f____ for m____ and c____.

3. O____ s____, m____, r____, and h_____ into a c____ and b____ p_____.

4. D____ e____ e____ by b____ and r____ t____, creating emotional s____, e____, and f____ r____.

1. follow, piece, music, recognizable shape

2. structure, form, musicians, composers

3. organizes sound, melody, rhythm, harmony, coherent, balanced progression

4. deepens emotional engagement, building, releasing tension, suspense, expectation, final resolution

Definition of Texture

It describes the n___ of l____of s____ h____ a__ o___ t____ and h___ those l____ i____ with each other.

Texture can be described as t____, t____, d____, h____, or l____.

Composers use layers and texture to:

• B____ e____ i____
  Thin texture (e.g. a single violin) = Feels q____, c____, or i_____
  Thick or dense texture (e.g. full orchestra) = Creates e____, p____, r____, or c____

• Create c____ and f____
  It s____ the n____ of the song (e.g. gradually adding layers to sound to build energy for the climax)

• S____ the f____ from the b____
  Layering helps composers e____ a m____ m____ (focal point) while using h___ or r___ a____ to s___ it without s____ f____

number, layers, sound heard at one time, how, layers interact
thin, thick, dense, heavy, light

build emotional impact
quiet, calm, isolated
excitement, power, richness, chaos

contrast, form
sets, narrative

separate, foreground, background
establish, main melody, harmonic, rhythmic accompaniment, support, stealing focus

Name the 3 basic musical textures.

1. monophonic

2. homophonic

3. polyphonic

Monophonic Texture

A s___ m___ l____ w___ a____ (e.g. singing alone or as a group w/o any harmony or instrumental accompaniment).

M___ voice or instruments performing the exact s___ m____ at the s___ t___, or in d___ o____, creates a f____ and r____ sounding monophony.

single melodic line without accompaniment

multiple, same melody, same time, different octaves, fuller, richer

Homophonic Texture

One d____ m____ m____ l___ is given more a____ with b____ a____ or h____ for s____ (e.g. a solo singer accompanying a keyboard, acapella).

Both the melody and the accompaniment move together with the s___ r____.

distinct main melodic line, attention, background accompaniment, harmony, support

same rhythm

Polyphonic Texture

T___ o__ m____ i____ m____ l____ are played or sung at the s____ t____, also known as c____.

Each melodic line is i____ and can stand on its own (equals).

There are 2 types of polyphony:

1. N___-i_____ polyphony
   D____ m____ play i____ without r____ or c____ each other
   
   

2. I____ polyphony
   A m____ i____ is presented by o___ voice/part and is then r____ (repeated) i____ by o___ voices/parts.
   
   S____ imitation: The other voices/part restate the melody e____. (e.g. rounding)
   Rounding is a t___ of c____ that has an “i____ l____” effect (no traditional ending).
   
   F____ imitation: The other voices/parts imitate the melodic idea f____ (some alterations).
   
   

two or more independent melody lines, same time, counterpoint

important

1. non-imitative
   different melodies, independently, repeating, copying
   
   

2. imitative
   melodic idea, one, restated immediately, other
   
   strict
   exactly
   type, canon, infinite loop
   
   free
   flexibility
   
   

Tonic / Keynote

The f___ n___ of any musical s____ that serves as the c____ t____ of a piece. (e.g. C Major key = C tonic note, G Major key = G tonic note)

Music is built on a c___ of t___ and r____.

A piece generally e___ with the tonic note to create a p___ r____, s____, and a sense of c____ because the human ear c____ a sense of r____ at the end of a piece.

Ending b____ the tonic note leaves listeners feeling u____.

first note, scale, central tone

cycle, tension, resolution

ends, perfect resolution, satisfaction, completion, craves, resolution

before, unfinished

Definition of Scale

An o____ s____ of n____ arranged in a____ or d____ o____ of p____.

It is a s___ c____ of n____ from the __ a____ p____ in W____ m____.

organized sequence, notes, ascending, descending order, pitch

specific collection. notes, 12 available pitches, Western music

Tonality / Key

Tonality d____ the o____ e____ q____ and h___ g____ of the music pulling toward that home note.

Major tonality sounds b___, u____, s____, and h____.

Minor tonality sounds d____, s____, m____, or s____.

describes, overall emotional quality, harmonic gravity

bright, uplifting, stable, happy

dark, sad, mysterious, serious

Circle of Fifths

• Up by fifths, add 1 sharp, starting from F-sharp

• C, G, D, A …

The Chromatic Scale

A different type of scale in Western music that includes a__ __ n____ of the o____; e___ t____ is a h___ s____ a____ from the n___ one.

A___ t____ have the s___ d____ a____, so a k___ is n___ d____ (e.g. C - C# - D - D# - E - F - F# - G - G# - A - A# - B - C).

Because it does not settle into one key, composers use a chromatic scale to add d____, m____, and f____ to a piece of music.

• Chromatic alteration: C____ t____ by i____ notes o____ of the p____ k____, creating i____ h____ f____.

• I____ r____, c___ m____ to m___ m____

all 12 notes, octave; each tone, half step away, next

All tones, same distance apart, key, not defined.

drama, movement, flavor

creates tension, introducing, outside, primary key, instant harmonic friction

Illustrates rapid, chaotic movement, mimic motion

Modulation (Key Change)

The p____ of c____ from o___ k___ (tonal center) to a____ within a s____ p____ of music.

It is used by composers to:

• C____ v____
  S____ in one key for t___ l____ can sound m____ and b___ listeners
  

• B___ t____ and d____
  It d____ l____ e____ and creates a sense of j___ or c____
  
  

• S____ e____
  Changing keys can instantly make a piece feel b____, d____, or more t____, or deeply m____

process, chaning, one key, another, single piece

create variety
staying, too long, monotonous, bore

build tension, drama
disrupts listeners’ expectations, journey, conflict

shift emotions
brighter, darker, triumphant, melancholic

Definition of Harmony

The s_____ of t___ o__ m____ d____ n____ or p____ that are p____ or s____ at the e____ s___ t____.

sound, two or more different notes, pitches, played, sung, exact same time

Definition of a Chord

A c____ of t____ o__ m____ t____ sounded s____.

combination, three or more tones, simultaneously

Definition of Chord Progression

M____ from o__ c____ to a____ o____ t____ to set an e____ m____, t____, and o___ s____ f____ of a piece of music.

moving, one chord, another over time, emotional mood, tone, overall structural foundation

Definition of Triad

A s____ c____ made up of t___ n___ s____ in i____ of a t___ (a____ t____ of the s____).

specific chord, three notes stacked, intervals, third (alternate tones, scale).

Types of Triad Chords

1. Tonic Chord (I)

• A triad built on the f____ (t____) n____ of the s____

• Serves as the m____ c____ of a piece; it is s____ and c_____

• A pieces usually b____ and e____ with a tonic chord

2. Dominant Chord (V)

• A triad built on the f___ n____ of the s____

• Creates s___ i____, usually r___ by the tonic chord (I); the p___ of t____

• V - I chord pattern gives a s___ s____ of c____ to the end of a p____, m____, or p____

3. Subdominant Chord (IV)

• A triad built on the f____ n____ of the s____

• Offers g___ m____ and t___ t___ as the piece

first (tonic) note, scale
main chord; stable, conclusive
begins, ends

fifth note, scale
strong instability, resolved, peak, tension
strong sense, conclusion, phrase, melody, piece

fourth note, scale
gentle movement, transitional tension

Consonance and Dissonance

Both terms are used to d____ the level of s____ and t____ in a s____.

Consonance is a sound that feels s____, r____, and c____; the notes b___ s____ together w____ h____.

Dissonance is a sound that feels u____, t____ and u____; the notes create a___ f___ or c____ that d____ r____.

It can be used to create d____, m____, and a____ in a piece, adding v___ and a sense of f____ m____.

The p____ from a dissonant sound to a consonant sound is known as r____.

It creates d___ e____.

describe, stability, tension, sound

stable, restful, complete; blend smoothly, without harshness

unstable, tense, unresolved; active friction, clash, demands resolution

drama, movement, anticipation, variety, forward motion.

progression, resolution

dramatic effect

Arpeggio (broken chord)

A m____ t____ where the n___ of a chord are p____ o___ a____ a____ instead of all at the same time.

It c____ m____, a____ e____, and serves to provide h____ and r____ at the s___ t____.

Ascending arpeggios often feel u___, h____, or d____ while descending arpeggios can feel c____, s____, or g_____.

musical technique, notes, played one after another

creates movement, adds emotion, harmony, rhythm, same time

uplifting, hopeful, dramatic. calming, sorrowful, grounding

The Importance of Harmony

• S____ a m____

• Gives music e____ d____ and c____, creating a r___, f___ e____

• Different chord combinations e___ s____ f____ such as j___, s____, s____, or t____

• Certain chord progression patterns (e.g. I - IV - V - I) give a piece d____ and a c___ s___ of d____ or e____

supports, melody

emotional depth, color, rich, full experience

evoke specific feelings, hoy, sadness, suspense, triumph

direction, clear sense, destination, ending

Rhythm is defined as the o____ f____ of m____ t____ t____, or the p____ of d____ of n____ and s____.

ordered flow, music through time, pattern, durations, notes, silences.

Name the 5 interrelated aspects of rhythm.

1. Beat

2. Meter

3. Accent

4. Syncopation

5. Tempo

A beat is defined as the r____, r____ p____ that d____ m____ into e____ u____ of t____.
It is a p____ of r____.

regular, recurrent pulsation, divides music, equal units, time.
part, rhythm.

Meter refers to the o____ of b____ into r____ g____.
A rhythmic group is set off by b____ l____ containing a f____ n____ of b____.

organization, beats, regular groups.
bar lines, fixed number, beats.

The d____ is the f____ s____ b____ of a m____.
The u____ is the u____ p____ p____ the d____.

downbeat, first stressed beat, measure.
upbeat, unaccented pulse preceding, downbeat.

An accent refers to the e____ of a n____, which may result from it being l____, l____, or h____ i____ p____ than the other notes near it.

emphasis, note, louder, longer, higher in pitch

Syncopation is the a____ of a n____ at an u____ t____.

accenting, note, unexpected time.

Tempo refers to the s____ of the b____ or the b____ p____ of m____.

speed, beat, basic pace, music.

State the approximate tempos for the following Italian terms in music:

1. largo

2. grave

3. adagio

4. andante

5. moderato

6. allegretto

7. allegro

8. vivace

9. presto

10. prestissimo

1. very slow, broad

2. very slow, solemn

3. slow

4. moderately slow, walking pace

5. moderate

6. moderately fat

7. fast

8. lively

9. very fast

10. as fast as possible

Name the Italian terms for the following approximate tempos:

1. very slow, broad

2. very slow, solemn

3. slow

4. moderately slow, walking pace

5. moderate

6. moderately fast

7. fast

8. lively

9. very fast

10. as fast as possible

1. largo

2. grave

3. adagio

4. andante

5. moderato

6. allegretto

7. allegro

8. vivace

9. presto

10. prestissimo

The basic Italian terms for tempo may be accompanied by:

1. m____: very

2. m____: less

3. p____: a little

4. m_ n____ t____: not too much

1. molto

2. meno

3. poco

4. ma non troppo

State the meanings of the following Italian terms that may accompany the basic terms for tempo:

1. very

2. less

3. a little

4. not too much

1. molto

2. meno

3. poco

4. ma non troppo

State the meaning of:

1. accelerando

2. ritardando

1. gradually becoming faster

2. gradually becoming slower

What is the music term Italian for:

1. tempo gradually becoming faster

2. tempo gradually becoming slower

1. accelerando

2. ritardando

Definition of Melody

A s____ of s____ t____ that a____ u__ to a r____ w____.

Melody:

• b____, m____, and e____

• has d____, s____, and c_____

series, single tones, add up, recognizable whole.

begins, moves, ends

direction, shape, continuity

Movement of Melody & its Purpose

The u___ and d____ m____ of p____ is also called the m____ c____ or l____.

The e____ and a____ of the melodic line conveys a p____ s____ of t____, r____, and e____ r____.

When a melody b____ e____, it creates a psychological d____ for c____ in listeners.

When the melody a____ at its d____, it s____ that desire.

up, down movement, pitches, melodic curve, line

expectation, arrival, powerful sense, tension, resolution, emotional narrative.

builds expectation, desire, closure.

arrives, destination, satisfies

Types of Intervals

1. Step
   The interval between two a____ notes in the scale.
   e.g. do-re in the do-re-mi scale

2. Leap
   Any interval l____ than a step.
   e.g. do-mi on a do-re-mi scale

3. R____
   A r____ melodic line.

1. adjacent

2. larger

3. repeat
   repeated

Definition of Melodic Range

It is the d____ between the l____ and h____ t____ in a given melody.

The melodic range for melodies written for i____ tends to be w____, with w___ l___ and r____ n____, compared to that of v____ melodies.

Melodic range may be w____ or n____.

distance, lowest, highest tones

instruments, wider, wide leaps, rapid notes, vocal

wide, narrow

Characteristics of A Melody

• The unique combination of different d____ and p____ of n____ contribute to the d____ character of a melody.
  
  

• A____ — h____ the t____ of a melody are p____ can also c____ the e____ of the melody

durations, pitches, notes, distinct

articulation, how, tones, performed, change, effect

Articulation of Melody

1. Legato - S____ and c____ manner —> Creates a l____, s____ q____ that feels f____, g____, and d____ e_____
   
   

2. Staccato - S____ and d____ manner —> Adds b____, c____, p____, or s____ t____

1. smooth, connected —> lyrical, singing quality, fluid, graceful, deeply emotional
   
   

2. short, detached —> buoyancy, clarity, playfulness, sharp tension

Name the 2 types of melodic articulation.

1. legato

2. staccato

Components of Melody

1. M____
   F____ of a t____ or s____ m____ i___ that is d____ within a c_____
   
   

2. P____
   A p____ of a melody.
   Phrases with s____ p____ and r____ p____ add u____ to the musical composition.
   C____ phrases add v____.
   Melodic phrases may be e___ or u____ in l____.

3. T____
   The melody that serves as the s___ p___ for an e___ p____ of music.

4. S____
   The i____ r____ of a m____ p____ in a h____ or l____ p____.

1. motive
   fragments, theme, short musical idea, developed, composition
   
   

2. phrase
   part
   similar pitch, rhythmic patterns, unity
   contrasting, variety
   equal, unequal, length
   
   

3. theme
   starting point, extended piece
   
   

4. sequence
   immediate repetition, melodic pattern, higher, lower pitch

Definition of Cadence

A s____, t__-c____ s____ that marks the e___ of a p____ in a melody.

It creates a sense of p____, t____, or r____.

short, two-chord sequence, end, phrase.

pause, tension, resolution

Types of Cadences

1. I____ cadence
   An i____ r____ p____ at the end of a phrase which b____ e____ for the f____ one.
   
   

2. C____ cadence
   A d____ r____ p____, conveying a sense of f____, at the end of a phrase in the melody.

1. incomplete
   inconclusive resting point, builds expectation, following
   
   

2. complete
   definitive resting point, finality

Definition of Climax

The h____ t____ or e____ f____ p____ in a m____ or l____ m____ c____.

highest tone, emotional focal point, melody, larger musical composition

Melody Labeling

L____ letters are used to label p____ or a r____ s____ s____ in a musical composition (a, b etc.).

C____ letters are used to label l___ s____ in a musical composition (e.g. A, B etc.).

lowercase, phrases, relatively short sections

capital, longer sections

Name the 7 elements of music.

1. Sound

2. Rhythm

3. Melody

4. Musical form

5. Harmony

6. Key

7. Texture

Name the 4 characteristics of sound.

1. Pitch

2. Dynamics

3. Tone color / timbre

4. Duration

Music is defined as an a____ based on the o____ of s____ i____ t____.

art, organization, sounds in time.

Pitch is the r____ h____ or l____ of a s____.
It is determined by the f____ o____ v____ measured in c____ p____ s____.
A h____ frequency of vibrations produces a h____ pitch while a s____ frequency of vibrations produces a l____ pitch.

relative highness, lowness, sound.
frequency of vibration, cycles per second.
high, higher, slow, lower

Tone is defined as a d____ p____.
It has a s____ f____ and r____ v____.

definite pitch.
specific frequency, regular vibrations.

An interval is the d____ between 2 t____, such as an o____.

distance, tones, octave.

Pitch range is the d____ between the l____ and h____ t____ that an i____ can p____.

distance, lowest, highest tones, instrument, produce.

Tone is a composer’s f____ r____ because they can create s____ m____ by varying the p____ of their t____.

first resource, special moods, pitch, tones.

Dynamic refers to the d____ of l____ or s____ in m____.
It is the a____ of the v____ of s____ w____.

C____ in dynamics may be described as s____ or g____.

degree, loudness, softness, music.
amplitude, vibrations, sound waves.

Changes, sudden, gradual.

Name the term for the following dynamics.

1. pp

2. ff

3. fp

4. sfz

5. >

1. pianissimo

2. fortissimo

3. fortepiano

4. sforzando

5. diminuendo

Tone color, also known as t____, refers to the u____ q____ of sound that d____ one instrument from another.

timbre, unique quality, distinguishes