Grad Entrance Theory Terms

phrase

A relatively complete musical thought that usually moves toward a goal, often a cadence.

period

A unit of at least two phrases in which the final phrase ends with a more conclusive cadence than the first phrase.

contrasting

period A period in which the phrases begin differently.

parallel period

A period in which the phrases begin similarly.

repeated phrase

The same phrase, or nearly the same phrase, occurring again.

asymmetrical phrase group

A phrase or phrase unit with uneven phrase lengths.

phrase group

A group of phrases that does not create a period. In common textbook usage, the phrases often begin similarly and end with a half cadence.

inversion

A melodic alteration in which the direction of the intervals is reversed.

cross rhythm

The use of conflicting or different rhythmic patterns at the same time.

imitation

The repetition of melodic material in another part or voice.

suspension

An accented non chord tone that is held from a previous harmony and then resolves by step, usually downward.

diminution

A melodic or motivic alteration in which note values are shortened.

modulation

A change from one key to another.

elision

An overlap where the end of one phrase also functions as the beginning of the next phrase.

augmentation

A melodic or motivic alteration in which note values are lengthened.

tonic

The home note or home chord of a scale or key.

dominant

Scale degree 5 or a dominant function harmony that tends to resolve toward tonic.

tonicization

The process of making a non tonic chord sound temporarily like tonic.

tonicization of the dominant

A tonicization in which the dominant chord is temporarily treated as a tonic.

cadence

The closing chords of a musical phrase that create a sense of expectation and finality.

thematic contrast

The use of contrasting thematic material.

thematic retrograde

Thematic or motivic material presented backward.

development

A sonata form section that follows the exposition and develops or reworks earlier material, often with harmonic instability.

interpolation

The addition of different material into the middle of a piece or passage.

transition

A section that connects thematic areas, often moving away from one key area toward another.

codetta

Brief closing material after a cadence, often used to reinforce the key or cadence.

phrase chain

A phrase combination that does not form a period and uses contrasting phrases, often ending with a half cadence.

double period

A four phrase period made of an antecedent group and a consequent group.

parallel double period

A double period in which the antecedent group and consequent group begin with similar melodic material.

cadenza

A free, often virtuosic passage near the end of a movement or piece.

sonata allegro

Another name commonly used for sonata form, especially in a fast movement.

sonata allegro movement

A movement organized in sonata form, commonly a fast first movement.

exposition

The opening large section of sonata form, normally presenting the main thematic and tonal areas.

rondo

A form in which a recurring main section alternates with contrasting sections.

compound ternary form

An ABA form in which one or more large sections contain complete smaller forms.

minuet and trio

A dance based compound ternary form in which a minuet is followed by a trio and then the minuet returns.