ap music theory terms

Pedal 64

The bass remains the same, other voices move

Passing 64

Used to connect 2 chords 3rds apart, usually in stepwaise motion

Arp. 64

Creates Brokn chord; notes of a chord are played individually

Cadential 64

Creates resolution and leads to cadence

Chordal Harmony

Every line or voice moves together with the same or similar rhythm

Ostinato

Short melodic rhythmic or hamonic pattern that is repeated throughout the piece

Sequence

Repeated melodic pattern in different intervals

Fragmentation

when a pattern of motif is used, repeated or varied

Melodic Sequence

repeating original motif on a different pitch

Retrograde

Melody played backwards

Rules for Part writing

S - spelling + spacing

T - Tendency Tones

O - Overlapping / voice crossing

P - parallelisms (5ths and 8ths)

Imitative polyphony

Two equally prominant melodies, usually with staggered entrances

Parallel Motion

Soprano and Bass move in the same direction and same interval

Similar Motion

When the bass and soprano move in the same direction at different intervals

oblique motion

When the voice remains on the same note while the other voices move

Contrary Motion

The melody moves in the opposite direction of the bass

polyphony

Two independent melodies played in unison

Homophony

main melody supported by other harmonic parts

monophony

Single melody played with no counterpart

Hemiola

Special type of syncopation; the beat is temporarily regrouped into twos

Diminuendo

Decrease in volume

Legato

Smooth, connected+ Flowy

Tenuto

Note is held longer for emphasis

Staccato

Short and detached

Pizzicato

plucked

Arco

Bowed

Parallel period

melodies in both phrases begin similarly

Contrasting Period

2nd phrase introduces a new musical idea

Double Parallel Period

4 phrase structure that contains two seperate phrases sharing melodic material