WWU Music 104 Exam 2 Terms

basso continuo

continuous bass

Counterpoint/contrapunctal texture

defined by the use of multiple independent melodies, each of which is given equal weight

imitative counterpoint/polyphony

occurs if one voice repeats or mimics the patterns just stated in another voice

pedal point (ostinato)

short melodic phrase repeated throughout a composition, sometimes slightly varied or transposed to a different pitch

unison

two or more musical parts sounding the same pitch or at an octave interval, usually at the same time

Tutti/Ripieno (Concerto/Ritornello)

In the concerto grosso the full orchestra (tutti) has the ritornello; the solo group (concertino) has the contrasting episodes

terraced dynamics

Expressive style typical of some early music in which volume levels shift abruptly from soft to loud and back without gradual crescendos and decrescendos

Movement/Multimovement Work

A self-contained division of a long work; each movement usually has its own tempo.

chamber orchestra

a few musicians who play in a room (chamber) or a small hall

harpsichord

Early Baroque keyboard instrument in which the strings are plucked by quills instead of being struck with hammers like the piano.

Recitative (Opera/Oratorio)

a rhythmically free vocal style that imitates the natural inflections of speech and that is used for dialogue and narrative in operas and oratorios

chorale

a hymn tune

word painting; program music

Writing music that reflects the literal meaning of a song. Musical depiction of words in text. Music that is intended to evoke images or convey the impression of events.

Johann Sebastian Bach

Baroque composer

George Frideric Handel

Baroque

Antonio Vivaldo

Italian - Violinist

Arcangelo Corelli

Italian violinist

Concerto/Concerto Grosso

one solo and a Baroque Orchestra/multiple solos and a Baroque Orchestra

ritornello form

a baroque musical form based on recurrences of a ritornello

Fugue

a musical form consisting of a theme repeated a fifth above or a fourth below its first statement

Subject/Countersubject

Theme in one voice that accompanies the statement of the subject in another.

Episode (Free Counterpoint)

A passage that is not a part of the main theme groups of a composition, but is an ornamental or constructive section added to the main elements of the composition.

cantana (sacred, or secular; accompanied)

a vocal work with multiple movements and instrumental accompaniment; it can be based on either a secular or sacred subject

chorale tune

the German word for the hymn of the Lutheran Church; hence a simple religious melody to be sung by the congregation

aria, duet, chorus

long song accompanying a solo voice

a performance by two people

a part of a song that is repeated after each verse

Sonata/Trio Sonata

type of music for three instruments which was very popular during the 17th century and early 18th century

Baroque suite (multi movement dance suite)

a collection of baroque dances often preceded by a prelude

Neo-Classicism

the revival of a classical style or treatment in art, literature, architecture, or music.

Enlightenment/Age of Reason

17th century philosophical movement in Europe that emphasized reason and individualism rather than tradition and faith.

Industrial Revolution

A series of improvements in industrial technology that transformed the process of manufacturing goods.

Rise of the Middle Class and middle-class audience

Eighteenth Century audiences changed considerably as the Restoration period ended, at the rise of the middle class

Concerto

a musical composition for a solo instrument or instruments accompanied by an orchestra, especially one conceived on a relatively large scale.

modified sonata form

-an abbreviated sonata form

-contains an Exposition and Recapitulation, but no Development

-developed by composers in the 18th century

symphony

a long piece of music to be played by an orchestra

string quartet

2 violins, viola, cello

piano quartet

piano, violin, viola, cello

Sonata

instrumental genre in several movements for soloist or small ensemble

sonata cycle

-a multi-movement structure

-emerged in the Classical era

-occurs in symphony, sonata, and concerto

libretto

text of the opera

overture

musical introduction to a long musical piece; first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an agreement); Ex. overtures for peace

aria

operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio

Recitative

vocal line that imitates the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of speech

Ensembles

groups of instruments and voices playing together

Choruses

parts of a song that are repeated after each verse