Musical terms

Define monothematic

A piece of music based on a single theme

Define antecedent and consequent

2 halves resembling a ‘question and answer’ phrase.

• Antecedent —> less conclusive cadence

• Consequent —> more conclusive cadence

What is a rhythmic motif?

A short rhythmic idea that reoccurs throughout the piece

Define a mannheim sigh

Consists of two notes - the first note has more weight and the second note descends in pitch

Like a sigh

What are inverted chords? Describe each type of inversion

Inverted chords refer to chords with the tonic not being the lowest note.

• First inversion - the major/minor third from the tonic of the chord is the lowest note

• Second inversion - the fifth from the tonic of the chord is the lowest note

Define a neapolitan 6th chord

A flattened supertonic chord in the first inversion

What on earth is a 6 4 cadential progression? <//3

A type of chord progression of Ic - Va

The tonic chord in the second inversion moves to the dominant in root position.

Define auxiliary notes

A non-chord note that is a step above or below the note of the chord, which resolves or moves back to it.

(There can be ‘upper auxiliary notes’ and ‘lower auxiliary notes’)

What are pedal notes?

Sustained or repeated single note (usually in the bass) that repeat while the harmony around it changes.

(Shorter than drone, and the pedal note also is meant to contrast harmony around it, unlike the drone)

What are inverted pedal notes?

Sustained or repeated single note (that are NOT in the bass and used in higher registers) that repeat while the harmony around it changes.

Define chromatic movement

Use of non-diatonic notes to move through harmonies

Define non-diatonic

Notes that are outside the key/mode used in the piece

Define diatonic

Notes that are a part of the key/mode

Define modulation

(Temporary?) change in tonality from the tonic key, within the piece

Define drone

Sustained or repeated note/chord used for atmospheric effect

(usually LONGER than pedal notes and used throughout the passage of music)

What is imitation? What are the two types?

When a section of music is repeated in a different part or instrument

(Can be used to create a polyphonic texture)

The two types of imitation are melodic imitation and rhythmic imitation!!

What is a melodic motif?

A short melodic idea that reoccurs throughout the piece

Define secondary dominant

Dominant chords that are not the fifth of the tonic, and therefore do not resolve to the tonic chord.

Eg) Key of F: F - D - Gm

Key of A: A - B - Em

Secondary dominants end up being non-diatonic

Stretto vs diminution - what is the difference?

Diminution involves changing the length of the notes to make the melodic / rhythmic pattern sound faster.

Stretto involves bringing musical passages / phrases closer together, without changing the length of the notes. This can cause an overlap.

Define Mannheim Hammerstroke. Give an example as to which symphony it is featured in.

Tonic chords in rhythmic unison (eg: the opening of Stamitz’s symphony no.2)

Define Mannheim Grand Pause

The effect where the entire orchestra stops playing for a moment. After the pause, they break the silence and resume vigorously.

Define Mannheim Crescendo

When the whole orchestra shifts from pianissimo to fortissimo in a short period of time

Define Mannheim Roller

A Mannheim Roller involves an extended crescendo passage with a rising melodic line over an ostinato bass (usually the ostinato is basically octaves)

What is an ostinato?

A consistently repeated melodic / rhythmic phrase at the same pitch

Define Mannheim Bird 🐦

Mannheim birds involve a solo instrument mimicking birds chirping. Involves grace notes (appoggiaturas)

What is a Mannheim Rocket?

A swift ascending passage, typically a rising arpeggiated melodic line with a crescendo