absolute (pure) music
Music that has no literary, dramatic, or pictorial program (most Classical music)
A cappella
Latin: In the chapel. Vocal music without instrumental accompaniment (Gregorian chant - anon.) (Pope Marcellus Mass - Palestrina)
sonata cycle/multimovement cycle
3 or 4 movement structure used in classical era instrumental music (especially symphony, sonata, concerto) & chamber music. Each movement is in a prescribed tempo and form("pathetique" piano sonata, op.13 - Beethoven)
sonata-rondo form
ABACABA: a more ambitious rondo form from classical era ("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven)
Sonata de camera/chamber sonata
Baroque chamber sonata; a suite of stylized dances intended for performance in the home (Corelli - JS Bach)
Sonata de chiesa/church sonata
Baroque instrumental work intended for performance in church.More serious in tone & more contrapuntal in texture
song cycle
group of songs, usually lieder, that are unified musically or through their texts
da capo aria
Most common type of Baroque aria in ABA form; return of section A is generally ornamented Commonly found in operas, cantatas & oratorios(Giulio Cesare - Handel)
stile concitato
baroque style developed by Monteverdi.introduced novel effects such as rapid repeated notes
stile rappresentativo
italian: representational style; used by Florentine Camerata to describe their monodic style. recitative-like melody moves freely over a foundation of simple chords.music meant to heighten emotional power of text; became known as recitative(L'Orfeo - Monteverdi)
stretto
overlapping of entries of a subject or an answer in a fugue(fugues)
string quartet
most popular chamber ensemble of classical era1st violin, 2nd violin, viola, cellocomposition has 4 movements: fast-slow-medium-fast(sq in C# minor, op. 131 - Beethoven
strophic form
song structure in which same music is repeated with every stanza (verse of the poem).there's little connection between the words and music(Ce fut en mai - d'Arras)
Sturm und Drang
storm & stress"; literary movement of 1760s and 1770s in germany which moved toward more emotional expression in the arts(CPE bach) (symphony no. 42-44 - Haydn)
subject
main idea or theme of a work (i.e. in a fugue)
suite
collection of stylized Baroque dance pieces in the same key; intended for listening rather than dancing. preceded by French overture & 4 standard dances include: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue(water music - Handel)
syllabic
one note per syllable of text; text can be easily understood(Gregorian chant, Haec Dies - anonymous)
syncopation
deliberate upsetting of the meter/pulse through a temporary shifting of the accent to a weak or off beat
tenor
latin "tenere": to hold.in Middle ages polyphonic compositions, it referred to the voice that contains the cantus firmus (Haec dies, organum - anonymous)
Ternary Form (3 part form)
3-part form based on a statement (A), contrast (B), & repitition (A).often used in Baroque arias(Water music, Hornpipe - Handel)
terraced dynamics
expressive Baroque musical practice in which volume levels shift abruptly from p to f without gradual crescendo or decrescendo to create stark contrast(Water Music - Handel)
terzetto
italian: trio; musical number for 3 voices (characters)(Marriage of Figaro - Mozart)
theme
melodic idea used as a basic building block in the construction of a composition (subject)("pathetique" piano sonata, op.13 - Beethoven)
theme & variations
compositional procedure in which a theme is stated & then altered in successive statements; occurs as an independent piece or as a movement of a multimovement cycle (Piano Concerto in G+, K.453 - Mozart)
toccata
virtuoso composition in free & rhapsodic style, for harpsichord or organ; in Baroque = introduction to fugue(JS Bach)
tonal
harmony based on the major-minor scales (tonality)(Cantata no. 80 - JS Bach)
tragedie lyrique
french serious opera of 17th & 18th century with spectacular dance scenes & brilliant choruses on tales of courtly love or heroic adventures(Amadis - Lully) (Armide - Lully)
tremolo
rapid repetition of a tone; instrumentally or vocally (Monteverdi)
triplum
third voice" part in medieval polyphony, counting upwards from the Tenor (inclusive)(O mitissima-Virgo-Haec dies - anonymous)
trio sonata
Baroque chamber sonata type with 3 parts: 2 melody lines & basso continuo (requires 4 players)
troubadour
aristocratic Medieval poet-musician in southern France.composed & perforemed original poems & songs, often based on courtly love
trouser role
in opera, any male character (usually a young man's part) that's performed by a soprano, mezzo-soprano or contralto.in modern performances, roles originally for male castrati are often turned into trouser roles (marriage of figaro - mozart)
development
Second main section in sonata form.Themes from Exposition are altered using: fragmentation, sequence, changes to orchestration, modulation & increased harmonic tensionNew themes may also be introduced("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven)
The affections/the affects/doctrine of the affections
baroque philosophy inspired by ancient Greek and Roman writers/orators. Belief that music should arouse the emotions or affections (joy, anger, love, fear, exaltation). An entire piece or movement is built upon a single affect (one clear emotion). (any Baroque work)
Agréments
French term for ornament or embellishment. Used in 17th and 18th century keyboard music (la poule - Rameau)
alba
an important type of troubadour "dawn song
anthem
choral setting of a religious text in English, similar to motet
antiphonal style
performance style in which ensemble divided into 2 or more groups performing in alternation and then together
aria
Italian for air. lyric solo song with orchestral accompaniment in operas, cantatas, oratorios. highly emotional and virtuosic, often to reveal the character's emotions/feelings. (Dido & Aeneas - Purcell) (Marriage of Figaro - Mozart)
arioso
short vocal passage that's more lyrical than recitative but more modest in scale than aria
Ars Antiqua
French sacred polyphonic musical style from the period 1160-1320
Ars Nova
14th century treatise written by Philippe de Vitry recognizing the existence of 5 note values, introducing 4 time signatures and the system of binary and ternary form. "New art", in reference to French music of 14th century with greater complexity in melody, harmony and rhythm (use of isorhythm, hocket, musica ficta). (Messe de Nostre Dame - Machaut)
Augmentation
compositional procedure in which theme is presented in longer time values; often twice as slow as original. often used in fugal writing (Cantata No.80 - JS Bach)
Ballad/dialogue opera
English comic opera, usually featuring spoken dialogue alternating with songs set to popular tunes (The Beggar's Opera - Gay)
Ballade
French poetic form & chanson type of the Middle Ages & Renaissance
Ballett
Italian for little dance. 16th century Italian & English strophic song type in simple dancelike style, often included "fa-la-la" refrains & used in English madrigals (My Bonny Lass She Smileth - Morley)
Baroque
Portuguese "barroco": an irregularly shaped pearl, referred to the overly ornate art of the era and applies to architecture & music of the 17th & early 18th century (any Baroque work)
Bas
French for "low", indicating low volume level, Medieval indoor instruments such as: dulcimer, lute, psaltery, rebec, recorder, vielle (Royal estampie No.4 - anon.)
Dies Irae (The Day of Wrath)
one of the solemn prayers in the Requiem (Requiem Mass, K.626 - Mozart)
Binary form
two-part form (A-B) in which each section's normally repeated, common in Baroque dances & keyboard pieces (Water Music-Handel)
Bridge/transition
transitional passage connecting two sections of a composition ("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13-Beethoven)
Burgundian chanson
15th century french composition, usually for 3 voices, some or all voices may be played by instruments
Burgundian School
group of composers in 15th century with ties of various kinds to the court of the Dukes of Burgundy or composers who were active in eastern France & the Low Countries (i.e. Netherlands); led by Dufay, 3-voice chanson in rondeaux settings were characteristic of this period
Cadenza
solo passage found in concertos & arias, flashy solo passage in the manner of an improvisation to display the soloists' virtuosity (Piano Concerto in G+, K.453-Mozart)
Canon
Greek: law, strict type of polyphonic composition in which each voice enters in succession w/ same melody (Cantata No. 80-JS Bach)
Cantata
multi-mvt choral work, either sacred or secular, for soloists, chorus, orchestra w/ choruses, arias, recitatives & ensembles (Cantata No. 80-JS Bach)
Carol
English medieval strophic song w/ refrain repeated after each stanza, now associated w/ Christmas
Castrato
male soprano/alto voice popular in 17th & 18th century for heroic roles, castratos underwent a surgical procedure before reaching puberty to prevent their voice from changing (L'Orfeo-Monteverdi)
Chamber music
ensemble music for up to about 10 players w/ one player per part, usually performed without a conductor (SQ in C#-minor, op.131-Beethoven)
Embellishment
Melodic decoration, either improvised or indicated through ornamentation signs in the music (Water Music - Handel)
Drone
sustained sounding of one or several tones for harmonic support; common feature of folk music(Royal estampie No. 4 - anonymous)
Chanson
French polyphonic "song" of the Middle Ages & Renaissance often w/ improvised accompaniment, secular song w/ French texts (Ce fut en mai-d'Arras)
Chorale prelude
short Baroque organ piece in which a traditional chorale melody used (JS Bach wrote over 150 of them)
Chordal declamation/homorhythmic
texture comprised of chords in which the pitches sound simultaneously (i.e. all voices move together in same rhythm)(The Creation-Haydn)
Chorus
vocal ensemble consisting of several voice types, adds musical variety to operatic works, singers may be part of the plot or act as narrators set apart from the staging (Marriage of Figaro-Mozart)(Dido & Aeneas-Purcell)
Chorale
hymn tune associated w/ German Protestantism, for congregational singing, moves mostly by step or narrow leap; used as basis for many genres including cantata, harmonized for 4-voices (SATB)(Cantata No.80-Bach)
Chromaticism
Greek "khroma": colour, melodies & harmonies include any of notes available within the 8ve (My Bonny Lass She Smileth-Morley) (Moro lasso al mio duolo-Gesualdo)
Clausula
self-contained, polyphonic section within discant-style organum, often based on a single word or syllable; highly melismatic, linked to development of the motet (Haec Dies, organum-anon.)
Chorale (Lutheran chorale)
Baroque congregational hymn of the German Lutheran church harmonized for 4-voices (SATB), moves by step or narrow leap, sometimes adapted from Gregorian chants or other popular sources & used as basis for genres (i.e. cantata) (Cantata No.80-JS Bach)
Duplum
middle voice" of a polyphonic work, especially in medieval motet.2nd melody to an existing plainchant melody(O mitissima-Virgo-Haec dies - anonymous)
Diminution
Presenting a theme in shorter time values, usually half the value of the original
Discant Style
Style of organum in which both voices move at approximately the same speed with "note-against-note" movement (Haec Dies, organum - annonymous)
Double Exposition
In 1st movement of Classical solo concerto, double statement of theme: once by orchestra & once by soloist(Piano Concerto in G+, K.453 - Mozart)
Double
in Baroque French keyboard music, the term used for an embellished version or variation of a dance or movement.May be embellished using standard ornaments or with melodic variations in improvisatory style(La Poule - Rameau)
Dissonance
combination of tones that sounds doscordant and unstable, in need of resolution (Moro lasso, al mio duolo - Gesualdo)
Basso continuo
Italian: continuous bass, Baroque performance practice requiring two performers: 1 playing notated bass line & 1 realizing the harmonies (harpsichord/organ) indicated by figured bass (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
Divertimento
Classical instrumental type for chamber ensemble or soloists, often performed as light entertainment
Cantus firmus
Latin: fixed song; borrowed from Gregorian Chant or another composition, used (in lowest voice) as the basis for a new polyphonic composition (Haec Dies organum-anon.)
Coda
Latin "cauda": tail, concluding section confirming the tonic key ("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13-Beethoven)
empfindsamer Stil (or emfindsamkeit)
German "sensitive" style of the mid-18th century characterized by melodic directness & homophonic texture (CPE Bach, Haydn)
musica ficta
Latin: false music; used in performance of late Middle Ages & Renaissance music.performers raised or lowered pitches by half step to avoid undesirable intervals (like using accidentals)(Messe de Nostre Dame - Machaut)
neumatic
text setting with 2 to 4 notes per single text syllable(Haec Dies, Gregorian Chant - anonymous)
neumes
earliest form of notation in Western art music.small notational symbols indicating direction of melodic line; later shown as squares or diamonds on a staff (Haec Dies, Gregorian chant - anonymous)
nonsense syllables
characteristic feature of English madrigals when syllables without meaning are sung (e.g. "fa-la-la", "nonny-nonny-no") (My Bonny Lass She Smileth - Morley)
notes inégales
French: unequal notes.performance practice associated with French music of 17th and 18th century.notes with equal written times values are performed with unequal values, often lengthening 1st note value and shortening the 2nd (La poule - Rameau)
Notre Dame School
late 12th century to early 13th century compositional school from Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral.earliest known composers of vocal polyphony who wrote organum which moved in contrary motion.they used organal & discant styles and rhythmic modes.wrote the Magnus Liber Organi (Great Book of Oragnum)(Leonin & Perotin)
ode
secular composition written for a royal occasion, especially popular in England(Birthday Ode for Queen Anne - Handel)
opera
Italian: workfrom around 1600, secular music drama generally sung throughout.features: dramatic solo arias, duets, ensembles, recitatives & choruses with orchestral accompaniment. there's also costumes, acting, ballet & scenery(Dido & Aeneas - Purcell)
opera buffa
Italian comic opera, sung throughout with same features as opera seria.stories featured more realistic themes with down-to-earth characters, fast-paced plots, farce & sexual innuendo(The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart)
opera comique
French comic opera which required smaller performance forces & a simpler compositional style than French grand opera; included spoken dialogue rather than recitatives
opera seria
Italian: serious opera; sung throughout & based on historical or mythological subjects(Giulio Cesare - Handel)
oratorio
large-scale work for soloists, chorus, orchestra.based on serious subjects, generally using stories from the Bible.features: choruses, arias, recitatives, ensembles in a concert setting (without costumes, acting, scenery)(The Creation - Haydn)
Ordinary Mass
religious service of the Roman Catholic Church with chants that remain same throughout the church year.Ordinary Mass consists of 5 sections:- Kyrie - Lord, have mercy- Gloria - Glory be to God on high- Credo - I believe in one God, the Father Almighty- Sanctus - Holy, holy, holy- Agnus Dei - Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world(Pope Marcellus Mass - Palestrina)
ordre
French: "suite"; series of harpsichord or instrumental ensemble pieces in the same key.Couperin coined the term & some French followers used the term instead of "suite"(La poule - Rameau)
organal style
organum in which notes from the original chant are sung in the lower voice in long note values while upper voices move freely & rapidly above.sometimes called "sustained note organum", organum purum or florid style(Haec Dies, organum - anonymous)
organum
earliest kind of polyphonic music that developed from adding voices above a plainchant (9th to 13th century).early styles featured perfect intervals with parallel motion; later styles had independent melodic parts with greater variety of intervals(Haec Dies, organum - anonymous)
ostinato
a short melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern repeated throughout a work or a section of one
English Madrigal
Remaissance secular work for voices, with or without instruments based on a short lyric love poem.genre popular in England after 1588, when Musica transalpina was translated from Italian into English.use of nonsense syllables and simple, pastoral texts in a cheerful mood(Fair Phyllis - Farmer)
overture
orchestral work preceding an opera or oratorio, frequently in sonata form.in 18th century, composers frequently quoted themes that would be heard later in the opera(Marriage of Figaro - Mozart)
Passion
musical setting of the Crucifixion story as told by one of the four Evangelists in the Gospels(St. John Passion - JS Bach)
pizzicato
performance direction to pluck a string of a bowed instrument with finger
plainchant/plainsong
monophonic texture, modal melodies with narrow melodic range.unmeasured prose rhythm
points of imitation
imitative counterpoint with a series of thematic entries.motive/theme is passed from one voice to another(Ave Maria ... virgo serena - des Prez)
polychoral
performance style developed in the late 16th century.use of 2 or more choirs that answer eachother or sing together
polyphonic (contrapuntal texture)
multi-voiced musical texture in which 2 or more independent melodic lines (voices) are heard simultaneously(O-mitissima-virgo-Haec dies -anonymous)
trouvère
aristocratic Medieval poet-musicians in northern France."finder" or "inventor", composed and performed original poems and songs, often with subjects of courtly love. (Ce Fut en mai - d'Arras)
tutti
all"; the opposite of solo.accompanying group that plays against the concertino. (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
variations
work based on statement of melody (theme) followed by series of transformations (variations).changes can be made to melody, harmony or rhythm. (The Carman's Whistle - Byrd)
Viennese School
included the masters of the Viennese School: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven who lived and actively worked, taught, conducted and composed in Vienna during the Classical period. All wrote in the popular forms of the time including: symphony, sonata, concerto and chamber works. ("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven).
virelai
Medieval and Renaissance fixed poetic form and chanson type with French courtly texts.
word painting
musical pictorialization in vocal works, when music reflects meaning of the text.used in madrigals, operas, oratorios. (My Bonny Lass She Smileth - Morley) (Moro lasso al mio duolo - Gesualdo)
Voice Parts
Female:SopranoMezzo-soprano (most common)AltoContralto (rarely used)Male:Countertenor (often performs castrati roles; most are falsettists)TenorBaritone (most common)Bass
air
tuneful movement that does not fit any specific dance category. (Water Music - Handel)
allemande
German dance in moderate duple time; popular during Renaissance and Baroque periods. (Water Music - Handel)
basse danse
graceful court dance of the early Renaissance; an older version of the pavane.
Bourrée
Lively French Baroque dance type in duple meter.
branle
quick french group dance of the Renaissance, related to the ronde.
chaconne
Baroque form similar to passacaglia.variations based on repeated chord progression
courante
French Baroque dance, in triple meter at moderate tempo.standard movement of the suite. (Water Music - Handel)
Estampie
Stately Medieval dance, probably for couples, characterized by elaborate body movements. (Royal estampie no.4 - anonymous)
galliard
lively, triple meter French court dance (Danserye - Susato)
gavotte
duple-meter Baroque dance type of pastoral character.
gigue
popular English Baroque dance type; lively compound meter. standard movement of Baroque suite (Water Music - Handel)
hornpipe
lively, triple meter dance of English origin, originally associated with sailors. (Water Music - Handel)
Jig
vigorous English Renaissance dance that may be predecessor of Baroque gigue.
minuet
elegant dance movement in triple meter, usually binary form. extremely popular during Baroque.
passacaglia
Baroque form in moderately slow triple meter. based on short, repeated bass-line melody
pavane
stately Renaissance court dance in duple meter; often the 1st number in a set that includes one or more quicker dances (e.g. Italian saltarello and/or French galliard). (Mille regretz - Susato)
ronde
lively Renaissance "round dance" in which the participants danced in a circle or a line. (Danserye - Susato)
saltarello
an Italian jumping dance with triplets in rapid 4/4 time (Danserye - Susato)
sarabande
stately Spanish Baroque dance type in triple meter; standard movement of Baroque suite. (Water Music - Handel)
clavecin
french term for harpsichord(La poule- Rameau)
clavichord
stringed keyboard instrument popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.( Well-Tempered Clavier- JS Bach)
cornet
valved brass instrument similar to trumpet but more mellow in sound.
cornetto
early instrument of brass family, made from wood and developed from cowhorn.
crumhorn (haut)
early woodwind instrument with a curved lower body. The sound is produced by blowing into the capped double reed.
dulcimer
early folk instrument that resembles psaltery; strings are struck with hammers instead of plucked.(Ce fut en mai - d'Arras)
glockenspiel
Percussion instrument with horizontal tuned steel bars of various sizes that are struck with mallets produces a bright metallic sound.
guitarra moresca
guitar of Moorish (North African) origins that is strummed.
harpsichord
keyboard instrument with sound generated by quills that pluck the strings. Often had two manuals (sets of keys). French = clavecin; Italian = cembalo (short for clavecembalo)(La poule - Rameau)
lute
plucked string instrument, of middle eastern origin, popular in western Europe from the late middle ages to the 18th century. Pear-shaped relative of the guitar.(Mille regretz- Susato)
nakers (haut)
Medieval percussion instruments resembling small kettledrums, played in pairs. Middle eastern origin.
oboe da caccia (oboe of the chase)
alto oboe, built in shape of curved hunting horn with pear-shaped bell that gave sound an outdoor quality.(Cantata No.80 - JS Bach)
oboe d'amore (oboe of love)
mezzo-soprano oboe, pitched lower than a regular oboe with a pear-shaped bell.(Cantata No.80 - JS Bach)
portative organ
Medieval organ small enough to be carried or set on a table, usually with only one set of pipes.
positive organ
small single-manual organ, popular in the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
psaltery
medieval plucked-string instrument, similar to the modern zither, consisting of a soundbox over which strings were stretched.(Ce fut en mai - d'Arras)
rebec (bas)
medieval bowed string instrument often with a pear-shaped body.(Royal estampie No.4 - anonymous)
recorder (bas)
forerunner of the flute. Medieval end-blown woodwind instrument with a whistle mouthpiece, generally associated with early music.
regal
small medieval reed organ
sackbut (haut)
early brass instrument, ancestor of the trombone.
shawm (haut)
medieval wind instrument that was ancestor of the oboe.(Royal estampie No.4 - anonymous)
tabor (haut)
cylindrical medieval drum (Mille regretz - Susato)
taille
a tenor oboe with a pear-shaped bell.
timpani/kettledrums
Percussion instrument; hemispheric copper shell with head of plastic or calfskin. Played with soft or hard padded sticks. A pedal mechanism changes the tension of the head, and with it the pitch.
vielle (bas)
medieval bowed instrument which was ancestor of the violin.(Ce fut en mai - d'Arras) (Royal estampie No.4 - anonymous)
viola da gamba/viol
family of renaissance bowed string instruments with 6 or more strings, fretted like a guitar and played like modern cello (held between legs)(Mille regretz - Susato)
virginal
generic term for all plucked keyboard instruments in England. Smaller and lighter than harpsichord, could be placed on tabletop or held in player's lap.(The Carman's Whistle - Byrd)
polytextuality
2 or more texts heard simultaneously in a composition, characteristic feature of 13th century motet (O Mitissima-Virgo-Haec dies - anonymous)
prelude
instrumental work intended to precede a larger work
proper mass
changing, variable prayers of the Roman Catholic Mass linked to the church calendar (Haec Dies, Gregorian Chant - anonymous)
recapitulation
3rd main section in sonata form. Theme 1 & Theme 2 are both restated in tonic key ("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op. 13 - Beethoven)
recitative
Speech-like, declamatory style of singing used in operas, cantatas, oratorios. Follows inflections of text, resulting in rhythmic flexibility; usually used for dialogue & to advance the plot (Marriage of Figaro - Mozart)
recitativo accompagnato
Italian for accompanied recitative; used in opera, oratorio, cantata.speech-like, declamatory style of singing accompanied by orchestra (or instrumental ensemble) (The Creation - Haydn)
recitativo secco
Italian for "dry recitative". used in opera, oratorio, and cantata. speech-like, declamatory style of singing supported sparsely by continuo (Dido & Aeneas - Purcell)
Reformation/Protestant Reformation
16th century Christian reform movement in Europe led by Martin Luther.started with his list of protests "95 Theses" (objections to questionable practices in RC Church). resulted in formation of many new Protestant denominations & churches
Renaissance
French for rebirth; time period from 1450-1600 in European history. time of continued change & development in musical style (any Renaissance work)
Requiem
Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead (Requiem Mass, K.626 - Mozart)
responsorial singing
performance style in which a solo voice ("verse") alternates with the chorus ("respond") (Haec Dies, Gregorian Chant - Anonymous)
retrograde
backward statement of a melody (fugues)
retrograde inversion
mirror image & backward statement of a melody (fugues)
rhythmic modes
developed by Notre Dame composers in late 12th century to early 13th century; early step in evolution of rhythmic notation.6 basic rhythmic patterns related to poetic meters used in Latin grammar.served to keep two or more voices in rhythmic alignment if they weren't syllabic (Haec dies, organum - anonymous)
ripieno
Italian for full/complete, also known as tutti.use of full orchestra In the Baroque concerto grosso (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
ritornello form
structure used in 1st & 3rd movement of Baroque concerto.opening ritornello (short recurring theme) is restated throughout movement, serving as a refrain & unifying thread (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
rocket theme
Quickly ascending rhythmic melody used in Classical-era instrumental music; the technique is credited to composers in Mannheim, Germany.
Rococo
French "rocaille" = a shell suggesting decorative scroll & shellwork characteristic of the style. Rococo was an art aimed at enchantment of the senses; its first law was to "enjoy yourself
rondeau
Medieval & Rennaissance poetic form & chanson type with courtly love texts
rondo form
musical form in which the first section (A) recurs 2 or more times in tonic key, separated by contrasting sections (B or C).commonly found in Classical multi-movement cycle (e.g. ABACA, ABABA, ABACABA) (Pathétique Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven)
round
canon in which each voice enters on the same pitch (e.g. at the unison) (Frère Jacques - traditional tune)
rounded binary
2 part form in which opening material from A returns after material B. each section is usually repeated
scherzo
Composition in A-B-A form, usually in triple meter; replaced the minuet and trio in the 19th century. (Symphony No.5, op.67 - Beethoven)
sinfonia
short instrumental work whose function is to facilitate scene changes; found in Baroque opera
singspiel
German comic opera which contains spoken dialogue (The Magic Flute - Mozart)
sonata
Italian "sonare": to sound. instrumental genre in several movements for soloist or small ensemble ("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven)
sonata-allegro form/sonata form/1st movement form
formal structure often used as 1st movement of multi-movement cycle. consists of themes stated in 1st section (Exposition), developed in 2nd section (Development), & restated in 3rd section (Recapitulation). ("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven)
program music
instrumental music with literary or pictorial associations, especially popular in 19th century. 4 types: incidental music, program symphony, symphonic poem, concert overture
equal temperament
17th century tuning adjustment for keyboard instruments which increased the range of harmonic possibilities. it became possible to play in every major and minor key on the same keyboard without unpleasant results(any baroque work)
Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments
treatise by CPE Bach that discussed the musical practices of the mid-18th century.this helped to establish the Classical keyboard technique
exposition
1st main section of sonata form in which 2 contrasting themes are stated.Theme 1 in tonic key, Theme 2 in contrasting key("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven)
fantasia
free instrumental piece in an improvisational styleBaroque: introductory piece to a fugue
figured bass/ thorough-bass
Baroque musical shorthand in which numbers placed below the bass line show the harmonic progression.provides structure for guided improvisatoin; it's performed or "realized" by the basso continuo(Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 - JS Bach) (Dido & Aeneas - Purcell)
Fitzwilliam Virginal Book
collection of nearly 300 English keyboard works from early 17th century, compiled by Francis Tregian. includes variety of dances, fantasias, preludes, arrangements of songs & madrigals. demonstrates idiomatic approach to keyboard writing with virtuosic rapid scales, ornamentation, novel figurations(The Carman's Whistle - Byrd)
Florentine Camerata
group of Florentine Writers, artists & musicians (Galilei, Caccini, Peri) who aimed to resurrect the musical-dramatic art of ancient Greece; music must heighten the emotional power of the text.led to stile rappresentativo, le nuove musiche & eventually the invention of opera
Franco-Flemish School
during 15th century, principally French musicians who traveled widely to spread musical language throughout Western Europe. Led by Desprez, Ockeghem & Obrecht
French Overture
Baroque instrumental introduction to opera, ballet, or suitein 2 sections: slow opening - Allegro - brief return to opening(Water Music - Handel)
fugato
fugal passage in a non-fugal piece (i.e. in Development section of sonata-allegro form)
fugue
Latin "fugere": to flee. highly-structured Baroque imitative contrapuntal composition based on a single theme. generally begins with successive entries of subject in each voice(Cantata No. 80 - Bach)
Gradual
4th section of Proper Mass with texts based mainly on Pslams (Old Testament).generally melismatic & performed in a responsorial style(Haec Dies, Grogorian Chant - anonymous)
gravicembalo
Italian for harpsichord
Gregorian Chant
form of plainchant; sacred liturgical music of Roman Catholic Church with Latin texts.modal, monophonic melodies with unmeasured rhythm(Haec Dies, Gregorian chant - anonymous)
ground bass
Baroque compositional device with continuous repetition of a short melody, over which free variations occur.often provided basic structure of Baroque aria(Dido & Aeneas - Purcell)
idiomatic writing
compositional style that highlights unique technical capabilities of an instrument; opposite of "generic". developed in the late Renaissance and Baroque eras(The Carman's Whistle - Byrd)
imitation
a subject or motive stated in 1 voice & then restated in another(Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 - JS Bach)
imitative Counterpoint
type of polyphony associated with Renaissance style.counterpoint is Latin "punctis contra punctum": note against note.imitation is passing a theme/motive from one voice to another(Ave maria... virgo serena - des Prez)
improvisation
creation of a musical composition while it is being performed, seen in Baroque ornamentation, cadenzas of concertos, jazz and some non-Western musics(Piano Concerto in G+, K.453 - Mozart)
incidental music
music to accompany dramatic works
inversion
melody is turned upside down.mirror image of a melody or pattern, found in fugues
isorhythm
compositional device perfected in Ars Nova.melodic patterns (colour) are combined with rhythmic patterns (talea); since they're typically not the same length, they overlap rather than coincide at the same time(Messe de Nostre Dame - Machaut)
isorhythmic motet
Medieval and early Renaissance motet based on repeating rhythmic pattern throughout 1 or more voices
Italian Overture
Baroque overture consisting of 3 sections: fast-slow-fast
jongleurs
Medieval wandering entertainers who played instruments, sang, danced, juggled, and performed plays
K
abbreviation for entry in works catalogue of Mozart by Kochel (1862).abbreviation for entry in works catalogue of Scarlatti by Kirkpatrick; Scarlatti's works also bear "L" (Longo) and "P" (Pestelli) numbers
Le nuove musiche ("the new music" or "the expressive style")
1601, collection of works by Caccini containing strophic songs, madrigals and dramatic scenes in the new style of monody.music around 1600s using monodic style, including the first operas, cantatas and oratorios
libretto
text/script of an opera, oratorio or cantata as prepared by a librettist.often based on a play, novel or episode in history(The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart)
Mass
most important service in Roman Catholic Church church service (liturgy).consists of texts that vary according to the church calendar (Proper) and texts that remain the same (Ordinary)(Pope Marcellus Mass - Palestrina)
Mannheim school
group of composers & performers active at court of Mannheim in SW Germany during 18th century.Mannheim orchestra was regarded as the finest in Europe, under the direction of concertmaster Stamitz.many Classical sonata form characteristics are said to have originated from this orchestra (e.g. 4-movement symphonic form, virtuosic treatment of orchestra, extended crescendo passages, rocket theme, etc.)
masque
English genre of aristocratic entertainment developed during 16th and 17th century that combined vocal & instrumental music with poetry and dance
melismatic
test setting with many notes per single text syllable.most elaborate & florid form of text setting(Haec dies, organum - anonymous)
madrigal
Renaissance secular vocal genre flourished in 16th century. based on an intimate relationship between poetry and music, featured vivid word painting.originated in Italy, but became popular in England after Musica transalpina translated into English (1588)(My Bonny Lass She Smileth - Morley)
haut
French: high; indicating a high level of volume.Medieval outdoor insturments, such as: cornetto, crumhorn, sackbut, shawm(Royal Estampie No. 4 - anonymous)
hocket
French for hiccup.rhythmic & melodic technique used in Ars Nova style.2 voices combine to create a single melody: one resting while the other sings (Messe de Nostre Dame - Machaut)
homophonic
musical texture with a single melody with chordal accompaniment("Pathetique" Piano Sonata, Op.13 - Beethoven)
homorhythmic
musical texture in which all voices sing in the same rhythm resulting in chordal/homophonic texture.if coupled with syllabic text setting, technique delivers the text clearly with listener's attention drawn to top voice(Ave Maria... virgo serena - des Prez)
heterophony
one basic melody is played in several voices at the same time, each playing the melody differently (i.e. tempo, rhythm, embellishment, etc.).one part plays the original melody; added voices are often improvised(Royal Estampie No. 4 - anonymous)
Concertino
small group of solo instruments featured in Baroque concerto grosso (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
Concerto/solo concerto
Latin "concertare": to debate or collaborate; Italian "concertare": to reach agreement. Multi-movement orchestral work based on principle of contrast. Usually in 3 movements, displaying virtuosity of soloist(s) as a prominent feature in solo concerto. (Piano Concerto in G+, K.453 - Mozart)
concerto grosso
baroque orchestral work based on opposition between concertino (a small group of solo instruments) and ripieno (orchestra or larger ensemble). Usually in 3 movements (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
concert overture
single-movement concert piece for orchestra, typically from the Romantic period and often based on a literary program (Egmont Overture - Beethoven)
consonance
concordant or harmonious combination of tones that gives sense of relaxation and stability in music (Piano Concerto in G+, K.453 - Mozart)
continuous imitation
Renaissance polyphonic style in which motives often overlap one another
consort of instruments
16th and 17th century England, an instrumental ensemble, usually of 2 to 8 players or a composition for such an ensemble. "Whole" consorts have all instruments from the same family; "broken" consorts have mixed instrument combos.
contrapuntal
style of music in which two or more independent melodies are combined into a harmonious texture, heard sounding simultaneously. (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
Council of Trent
series of meetings of the highest Catholic Church officials in 1545-63 in Trento, Italy. They condemned "Protestant heresies" and reaffirmed doctrines of Catholicism. Made recommendations regarding liturgical music: clear and audible text, simple counterpoint, only organ allowed, secular cantus firmus banned, virtuosity avoided. (Pope Marcellus Mass - Palestrina)
counterpoint
the art of combining 2 or more melodic lines into a single texture (Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - JS Bach)
Counter-Reformation
reform movement within Catholic Church in mid-16th century in an attempt to win back support and regain political power and authority. Included formation of the Council of Trent. (Pope Marcellus Mass - Palestrina)
countersubject
material which is heard against a subject or an answer in a fugue
cyclical form
mostly from the 1800s. thematic connection between the movements.
Minnesingers
late medieval german poet-musicians; "singers of courtly love" (Heinrich von Meissen "Frauenlob" = champion of ladies)
minuet & trio
A-B-A form in moderate triple meter (A = minuet & B = trio). Often 3rd movement in Classical multi-movement cycle
modal
music based on modes other than major & minor (i.e. early church modes) (Haec Dies, Gregorian Chant - anonymous)
modes
scale or sequence of notes used as the source for melodies in Middle ages & Renaissance. Generally referred to by original Greek names (Dorian, Phrygian, etc.) (Haec Dies, Gregorian chant - anonymous)
Modified sonata form
abbreviated sonata form which contains an exposition and recapitulation but no development. Developed by 18th century composers. (Marriage of Figaro - Mozart
Monody
one song"; vocal type developed in early Baroque (1600-1640) by the Florentine Camerata. A single vocal melody heard above a simple instrumental accompaniment. Allowed for greater expression of emotion and clarity of text (L'Orfeo - Monteverdi)
monophonic
musical texture with a single line of melody (i.e. voice) without harmony or accompaniment (Haec Dies, Gregorian chant - anonymous)
monothematic exposition
in sonata form when theme 2 is a transposed version of theme 1. frequently used by Haydn ("London" Symphony No. 104 - Haydn)
morality play
medieval, religious drama written to teach righteous, upright values (Play of the Virtues - Hildegard)
motet
French "mot" meaning the addition of new texts to existing music. Sacred or secular vocal composition with or without instrumental accompaniment from 13th to 16th century (O Mitissima-Virgo-Haec dies - anonymous)
motetus
middle voice" or the voice above the Tenor in Medieval motets (O mitissima-Virgo-Haec dies - anonymous)
motive
short melodic or rhythmic idea; the smallest fragment of a theme that forms a melodic-harmonic-rhythmic unit.
Musica enchiriadis
an anonymous treatise written around 900 AD, containing the earliest forms of 2-voice parallel organum
Musica transalpina
Latin: Music from beyond the Alps. Compiled by Nicholas Yonge; 1st printed collection of Italian madrigals translated into English (1588), sparking an interest for English madrigals (My Bonny Lass She Smileth - Morley)