Experiencing Music Exam 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary

Rhythm

• Music unfolds over time, with a specific pattern of long and short notes in a musical piece.

Ritornello

• A musical form characterized by a recurring theme or section, found in Baroque era

Triple Meter

• Meter consisting of one accented beat followed by two unaccented beats

Movement

• A piece that sounds relatively independent but is part of a larger whole

Pitch

• The relative highness or lowness of a sound

Aria

• A solo vocal piece in an opera or oratorio, often expressing emotion.

Consonance

• Intervals or chords that sound relatively stable and free of tension

Recitative

• Dialogue-moving, speech-like musical form

Monophony

• A musical texture involving a single unaccompanied melody

Gregorian chant

• Used in the Roman Catholic Church, characterized by a monophonic texture and free rhythm, typically sung in Latin.

Polyphony

• More than one voice occurring at one time

Organum

• A medieval form of polyphony that involves adding one or more voices to a piece.

Church modes

• Scales used in Gregorian chant, characterized by specific patterns of whole and half steps, and forming the basis of Western music during the medieval period.

Mass

• Worship in the Roman Catholic Church that includes prayers, hymns, and the Eucharist.

Cantus firmus

• A fixed melody that serves as the basis for a polyphonic composition.

Motet

• A polyphonic piece that often sets a sacred text to music, prevalent in the Renaissance and typically sung without instruments.

Minstrel

• A medieval musician who traveled from place to place, performing songs and poetry, often entertaining nobility and the general public.

Madrigal

• A secular vocal music composition, characterized by its expressive texts and often performed in a small group.

Humanism (Renaissance)

• Classical (Greek and Roman) studies

Suite

• Consists of a series of dances or movements, often from orchestral or instrumental music performed as a whole.

Polyphonic imitation

• The voices start together, then eventually become independent

Opera

• A theatrical work that combines music, singing, and instrumental performance to tell a story.

A cappella

• A vocal performance without instrumental accompaniment, often highlighting vocal harmony and expression.

Cantata

• A vocal composition with an instruments, multiple movements, often used in religious services or celebrations.

Doctrine of the Affections

• Music designed to express and arouse particular affections-joy, grief, agitation, sadness, etc.

  
  

Composers and Pieces

Countess of Dia, A chantar

• Composer

  • Beatriz de Dia

• Genre

  • Troubadour song

• Era

  • Medieval era

• Music elements

  • Features melodic lines that showcase the use of modes typical of medieval music, along with a flowing structure that highlights lyrical expression.

Guillaume de Machaut, Puis qu’en oubli

• Composer

  • Guillaume de Machaut

• Genre

  • French secular motet

• Era

  • Medieval era

• Music element

  • Melody, rhythm, texture, and harmony, typical of the Medieval period. It showcases intricate counterpoint and utilizes vocal techniques emphasizing poetic text.

Josquin des Prez, Ave Maria…virgo serena

• Composer

  • Josquin des Prez

• Genre

  • Motet

• Era

  • Renaissance

• Music element

  • Harmony, melody, rhythm, texture, and form, which together create the Renaissance style. The piece showcases polyphony, with interweaving vocal lines that highlight the text's themes.

Thomas Weelkes, “As Vesta Was”

• Composer

  • Thomas Weelkes

• Genre

  • English Madrigal

• Era

  • Renaissance

• Music element

  • Texture, harmony, and rhythm that show vocal characteristics of the English madrigal form.

Antonio Vivaldi, Four Seasons, La Primavera (Spring), mvt. 1

• Composer

  • Antonio Vivaldi

• Genre

  • Baroque concerto

• Era

  • Baroque era

• Music element

  • The imagery of spring with lively melodies and contrasting dynamics that imitate the sounds of nature.

Henry Purcell, Dido and Aeneas, “Dido’s Lament”

• Composer

  • Henry Purcell

• Genre

  • Baroque opera

• Era

  • Baroque era

• Music element

  • Expressive melody and harmony to convey deep emotion, with a poignant bass line symbolizing Dido's grief and longing.

George Frideric Handel, Messiah, “Hallelujah”

• Composer

  • George Frideric Handel

• Genre

  • Oratorio

• Music element

  • Dynamic contrasts, and choral techniques that enhance the celebratory nature of the text and music, with emphasis on homophonic textures and rhythmic drive.

Johann Sebastian Bach, “Little” Fugue in G Minor for Organ

• Composer

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

• Era

  • Baroque 

• Music element

  • The piece showcases intricate counterpoint, a prominent use of fugal techniques, and rich harmonic textures that exemplify Baroque musical ideals. Its structure includes thematic development and contrasting sections, creating a dynamic listening experience.