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Creative Listening 1306
Study Guide I
Unit I–Elements of Music
Terminology
Pitch: The highness or lowness of a tone.
Dynamics: The loudness or softness of sound.
Tone: A sound with a definite pitch.
Sharp: A pitch that is to be played 1/2 step higher
Flat: A pitch that is to be played 1/2 step lower
Contour: Shape or outline of a melody formed by its notes
Tune: A melody that is easily recognized, memorized, and sung.
Scale: An ascending or descending pattern of half and/or whole steps.
Key: The tonic (or first) note, and the major or minor scale, upon which a
composition is based.
Harmony: The simultaneous sounding of two or more different tones.
Chord: A meaningful combination of three or more tones.
Texture: The manner in which melodic lines are used in music.
Color: The qualities of sound that is characteristic of a particular voice,
instrument or ensemble. Also referred to as Timbre.
Form: The organization and design of an artwork.
Movement: A section of a complete work that has a formal design and a degree
of independence.
Repetition: Provides unity, symmetry, and balance to form.
Stophic form: A song form based on repetition–A A A
Theme and Variations: An instrumental form based on repetition–A A’ A’’
Through composed form: A song form based on contrast–a b c d e
Binary form: A form based on contrast–A B
Ternary form: A form that balances repetition and contrast– A B A
Rhythm
Melody
Harmony
Meter
Accents
Tempo
Phrase
Contour
Scales
Consonance/Dissonance
Chords
Tonality/key
Textures
Monophonic
Homophonic
Polyphonic
Dynamics–Levels of Volume
Italian
abbreviation
English meaning
pianissimo
piano
mezzo piano
mezzo forte
forte
fortissimo
pp
p
mp
mf
f
ff
very soft
soft
moderately soft
moderately loud
loud
very loud
Process of changing volume
crescendo=becoming louder
decrescendo=becoming softer
diminuendo=becoming softer
Common Tempo Markings
largo–slow; broad
adagio–slow; at ease
andante–moderately slow
moderato–moderately
allegro–fast; cheerful
presto–very fast
molto–very
non troppo–not to much
con brio– with spirit
Vocal classifications
soprano–High female singing voice
mezzo soprano–medium-range female voice
alto–low female voice
tenor–high male voice
baritone–medium-range male voice
bass–low male voice
Orchestra: An instrumental ensemble consisting of members of the four families
of instruments. The strings are the backbone of the orchestra.
String instrument–orchestral string instruments include the violin, viola,
cello, and string bass (double bass).
Woodwinds–common woodwinds include the piccolo, flute, oboe,
clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone.
Brass–includes the trumpet, trombone, horn (French) and tuba.
Percussion–All instruments which may be played by shaking, rubbing, or
striking the instrument itself. These in the timpani, drums, chimes,
tambourine, triangle, cymbals, xylophone, marimba, bells. Percussion can
be classified as pitched or non-pitch instruments.
Attending Performances
Concerts vs Recitals: concert usually refer to a “concerted” effort of a large
group, and a recital to a performance by a soloist or a small ensemble.
Concerts are usually held in a large hall that can seat many people and in
which the sound of a band or an orchestra carries effectively. Recitals are
often presented in smaller rooms, providing a more intimate setting and a
better environment for the smaller sound of solo voices and instruments.
Concertmaster/mistress: The conductor’s assistant, and the orchestra’s first or
principal violinist.
Band: An instrumental ensemble containing woodwind, brass, and percussion
sections.
Chorus or Choir: a) A group of singers; b) A composition sung by a choir or
chorus.
Chamber music: Music for a small instrumental ensemble with one instrument
per line of music.
Symphony: A multimovement orchestral form.
Concerto: A multimovement work for orchestra and an instrumental soloist.
Program Music: Instrumental music that purports to tell a stroy or describe a
scene, idea, or event.
Absolute music: “Music” for music sake. Instrumental music based upon
abstract principles of music theory and form rather thatn upon an extramusical program.
Dance: Movement organized and accompanied by music.
Music Theatre: Dramatic performances including instrumental and vocal music,
and sometimes dance.
Opera; A drama, acted out on stage, with music throughout. Generally, all of the
word are sung rather than spoken.
Musical: A play with music of a popular nature.
Operetta: A musical play with proportionately more music than an musical.