Test 1 - Musical Terms

Modality

Characterized by recurring melodies and phrases that create a specific atmosphere/emotional response. Organized around melody and the relationship of note to note. Classified through moods rather than key signatures.

Tonality

Based on chord progressions. Organizes musical compositions around a central note (tonic). Involves specific hierarchical relationships b/w different pitches (creates stability and direction w/in a piece).

Chromaticism

Use of notes foreign to the mode/diatonic scale on which the composition is based. Involves incorporating additional pitches that do not belong to the prevailing key/scale. Introduces notes outside the standard 7-note diatonic scales.

Modulation

The process of changing from one key to another w/in a composition to create contrast or variety. Enhances the emotional impact and keeps the listener engaged.

Impressionism

Emerged during the late 19th & early 20th centuries. Characterized by a focus on mood and atmosphere rather than detailed musical structure.

Atonality

Emerged in the early 20th century. A system that lacks a tonal center/key (does NOT follow traditional harmonic structures). Characterized by the systematic avoidance of harmonic/melodic references to tonal centers.

Serialism

A method of composition that involves using a series of pitches, rhythms, dynamics, timbres, or other musical elements as the basis for a piece. Allows for a fixed series of musical elements to be manipulated throughout a composition, leading to diverse musical expressions.

Polytonality

The simultaneous use of more than one key; occurs when different tonalities/keys are used together in a composition.

Dodecaphony

Also known as twelve-tone music. A method of musical composition that uses all 12 notes of the chromatic scale in a fixed order, ensuring that each note is given equal importance.

Matrix (for 12-tone music)

A tool used to analyze and compose music based on the 12-tone technique. It shows all 48 row forms in a 12-by-12 grid, allowing composers to visualize and manipulate the relationships b/w the 12 pitch classes.

Neoclassicism

A style of music that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a return to the aesthetic/traditional principles and formal structures of earlier classical music (particularly Classical & Baroque periods). Emphasizes emotional restraint, balance, order, clarity, and economy in composition.

Neo-Tonality

A style of music composition that replaces the tonality of the common-practice period w/ non-traditional tonal conceptions; the combination of common-practice tonality & atonality.

Pentatonic Scale

A musical scale that consists of 5 notes per octave. This scale is fundamental in music theory & is found in various musical traditions worldwide.

Whole-tone scale

A musical scale composed entirely of whole steps, creating a distinct sound characterized by an ethereal and dreamlike quality.

“Mystic Chord”

AKA Prometheus Chord. A 6-tone synthetic chord consisting of the pitches C, F#, Bb, E, A, and D.

Sprechstimme

A vocal technique in music that combines elements of speaking and singing. Involves a heightened tone quality of speech that follows melodic contours indicated in musical notation.

Counterpoint (Contrapuntal)

The relationship of 2 or more simultaneous musical lines that are harmonically dependent on each other, yet independent in rhythm and melodic contour.

Timbre

The unique quality/tone color of a sound that distinguishes different types of sound production (such as instruments or voices), even when they play the same note. Describes the overall sound of a note & is essential for identifying the differences b/w instruments.

Consonance

A combination of tones that are harmonious when played together.

Dissonance

A combination of tones that clash/create a sense of tension when played together.

Parody

Involves humorously imitating, exaggerating, or commenting on the style/content of an existing piece. Can mimic the melody, lyrics, or performer’s style of entertaining/criticizing.