PRAXIS Music Theory

Passing Tone

Approached by step then continues by step in same direction.

Retrograde

A melodic line that is the reverse of a previously or simultaneously stated line is said to be its retrograde or cancrizans. An exact retrograde includes both the pitches and rhythms in reverse.

Accented Passing Tone

Passing tone occurs with second chord (instead of middle two chords)

Anticipation

Approached by step then remains the same (note in second chord played early)

Escape Tone

Approached by step and then skips in opposite direction

Appoggiatura

Approached by skip then and then steps in opposite direction

Suspension

Keeps a note the same then steps downward

Retardation

Keeps a note the same then steps upward

Polyphony

A texture of music in which all voices or parts hold similar musical prominence or interest.

Monophony

Also centers on a single melodic line but does not have supplemental accompaniment.

Homophony

Melodic interest is reduced to a single line. Other voices or parts support the main melody as accompaniment and move together in rhythmic likeness.

Modes

Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC)

Has both the roots of the V and I chords sounding in the bass and the tonic is the highest sounding notes.

Imperfect Authentic Cadence (IAC)

Does NOT have roots in BOTH V and I and the tonic is not the highest sounding pitch of the final chord. May have inverted chords.

I

Tonic

viio

Leading tone or subtonic

vi

Submediant

V

Dominant

IV

Subdominant

iii

Mediant

ii

Supertonic

Natural Minor

WhWWhWW
Aeolian mode

Harmonic Minor

The natural minor with a raised 7th scale degree

Melodic minor

Raised seventh and sixth ascending, natural minor descending

Whole tone scale

Scale where every pitch is separated by a whole step

Chromatic scale

Scale where every pitch is separated by a half step

Tone cluster

Only neighboring notes in the diatonic key are used.

Chromatic tone clusters

Notes that are separated by a half step are used

Horizontal Hemiola

Hemiola in succession, refers to a change in note values, where for example, three half notes follow a mature of two dotted half note in a 6/4 meter.

Vertical Hemiola

Hemiola that occurs simultaneously, refers to a rhythmic syncopation. Three against two rhythm.

Binary Form

Consists of two main sections, both repeated. Labeled A A' (B).

Rounded binary form

Form in which there is a return to the original thematic material of A. ABA or AA'A. The initial A section as well as the A' (B) are both repeated as in simple binary form. (Open form - doesn’t have to end on tonic)

Ternary form

This form consists of three main sections in which the first and third sections are nearly identical with a contrasting second section. The middle section is distinctly B. (Closed form - has to end on tonic)

Contrary motion

The motion of two musical lines that move in opposite directions.

Parallel motion

The motion of two musical lines that move in the same direction whether upwards or downwards which maintaining the same interval between lines.

Similar motion

The motion of two musical lines that move in similar directions whether upwards or downwards but without maintaining the same interval between the lines.

Oblique motion

The motion of two musical lines in which one line stays stationary while the other musical line moves in an upward or downward direction.

Phrase Structure

Antecedent (inconclusive phrases) and consequent (conclusive phrases) altogether create musical periods

Dynamic Range

Counterpoint

A combination of 2 or more melodic lines and the way they fit together to create sounds

Etude

Short instrumental music designed for practicing a particular skill

Glissando

A glide from one note to the next

Tocatta

A composition for a keyboard instrument in a free style, solo

Portamento

A slide from one note to another, especially in singing or playing a bowed string instrument.

Through Composed

Non-repetitive, non-sectional, continuous

Picardy 3rd

Raising the m3 to make a major triad, composition is in minor key and song ends on the major triad

Strophic Form

Song structure in which the same music is repeated with every stanza (strophe) of the poem.

Bar Form

Three-part A-A-B form, frequently used in music and poetry, particularly in Germany.
A section- Stollen
B section-Abgesang-section typically longer than A and may end with all or latter part of A's melody

Octatonic Scale

A scale that consists of whole steps and half steps
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