Name: Class: Senior Phase Glossary Advanced Higher · Bass Clef C–E, Transposing bass ......
Transcript of Name: Class: Senior Phase Glossary Advanced Higher · Bass Clef C–E, Transposing bass ......
Stewarton Academy Music Department
Name: ____________________ Class: __________
Senior Phase Glossary Advanced Higher
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 4
Literacy Chart
Melody & Harmony Rhythm & Tempo Timbre & Dynamics
Nat
ion
al 3
treble clef lines & spaces steps repetition
crotchet minim dotted minim semibreve barlines double barlines
f /forte p/piano </cresc/crescendo >/dim/diminuendo
Nat
ion
al 4
treble clef: C – A’ sequences
semiquaver grouped semiquavers paired quavers repeat signs
mf/mezzo forte mp/mezzo piano
Nat
ion
al 5
tones/semitones accidentals – flats, sharps and naturals scales and key signatures – C, G, F, Am chords – C, G, F, Am leaps
dotted rhythms dotted crotchet dotted quaver scotch snap 1st and 2nd time bars
ff/fortissimo pp/pianissimo sfz/szforzando
Hig
her
Bass clef stave: E – C Note naming and transposing into bass clef Chords I, IV, V and VI in major and minor keys Diminished Dominant Naming and writing diatonic intervals formed from the tonic
6/8 time triplets quavers crotchets dotted crotchets, dotted minims quaver rest crotchet rest dotted crotchet rest minim rest semibreve rest Da capo DC
Slurs Accents Staccato marks Phrase marks
Ad
van
ced
Hig
her
Identifying/inserting chords to cadence points and under melodies Diminished 7th, Dominant 7th, Added 6th 1st and 2nd inversions of major and minor triads Chord II and 1st inversion (major key only) Bass Clef C–E, Transposing bass clef into treble clef Rewriting (in either treble or bass clef) a note at the same pitch using up to two ledger lines below or above the stave Enharmonic equivalent — rewriting a note at the same pitch Scales and key signatures — D major, B flat major, E minor and D minor 8va (octave higher); 8vb (octave lower)
Ties Syncopated rhythms Time signature: 5/4 Dal segno DS Fine Time changes
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 6
Definitions CONCEPT DEFINITION LEVEL
A cappella Unaccompanied choral singing National 5
A tempo The music returns to the main tempo(speed) after there has been a change
National 4
AB Two-part form-music in two sections: A then B. These sections may be repeated
National 5
ABA Three-part form-music in three sections: section A, then B, then back to A
National 4
Accelerando The tempo (speed) of the music gradually becomes faster National 4 Accented Accented notes are notes which sound louder than others National 3
Acciaccatura An ornament which sounds like a crushed note played very quickly on the beat or just before it
Higher
Accidental A sign added to the note to change the pitch National 5
Accompanied Other instrument(s) or voice(s) support the main melody National 3
Accordion An instrument with a keyboard played with the right hand and buttons (which play chords) pressed by the left hand
National 3
Acoustic Guitar A stringed instrument that is played by plucking or strumming the strings with fingers, or using a plectrum
National 3
Adagio A slow tempo(speed) National 3
Added 6th Root, 3rd and 5th of a chord with the 6th added. This chord is used frequently in jazz and popular music
Higher
African music Much African music features voices and/or African drums National 4
Air English for Aria. Song or simple melody, sometimes the title of a movement of a suite.
Advanced Higher
Alberti Bass Broken chords played by the left hand outlining harmonies whilst the right hand plays the melody
National 5
Allegro A fast tempo (speed) National 3
Alto The lowest female voice National 4
Anacrusis The notes which appear before the first strong beat of a musical phrase, particularly at the start of a piece.
National 4
Andante A tempo at a walking speed National 4
Answer A short musical phrase that follows on from a ‘question’ phrase
National 3
Anthem Short sacred choral piece sung in English. Sometimes sung by a choir unaccompanied (A cappella) and sometimes accompanied by organ and featuring solo parts. The anthem is the Protestant equivalent of the Motet.
Advanced Higher
Antiphonal Dialogue between voices or instruments – one group of voices or instruments answers the other.
Advanced Higher
Appoggiatura An ornament which sounds like a leaning note. It takes half the value of the main note which follows it, or two-thirds if the main note is dotted.
Advanced Higher
Arco Instruction given to string players to use the bow National 5
Aria A solo song sung in an operatic style, in an opera, oratorio or cantata, with orchestral accompaniment
National 5
Arpeggio Notes of a chord played one after the other National 4
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Ascending Ascending notes rise in pitch National 3 Atonal Atonal music has no feeling of key, major or minor. It is very
dissonant and lacks a ‘nice’ melody and accompaniment National 5
Augmentation An increase in the length of notes. The music will sound slower when imitated or repeated
Higher
Augmented chord
This chord is formed by a major triad in which the 5th degree is raised by a semitone.
Advanced Higher
Backing vocal Singers who support the lead singer(s), usually by singing in harmony in the background
National 4
Bagpipes A musical instrument having a flexible bag inflated either by a tube with valves or by bellows, a double-reed melody pipe, and from one to four drone pipes
National 3
Ballett A type of madrigal in strophic form which was originally danced to. It features a fa-la-la refrain at the end of each verse. See Madrigal and Strophic.
Advanced Higher
Baritone A male voice whose range lies between that of bass and tenor National 5 Baroque The name given to a style of music composed during the
period 1600-1750 approximately National 4
Bass The name given to a style of music composed during the period 1600-1750 approximately
National 4
Bass Drum This instrument belongs to the percussion family National 4
Bass Guitar The bass guitar is pitched lower than a guitar. It is an electric string instrument and has only four strings, two fewer than an electric guitar
National 4
Basso continuo Sometimes referred to as continuo. In the Baroque period, the continuo part consisted of a bass line (basso continuo) played by cello, bass, viola da gamba or bassoon. In addition the harpsichord, organ or lute player was expected to fill in harmonies built on that bass line.
Higher
Bassoon This instrument belongs to the woodwind family National 5
Beat The basic pulse you hear in music National 3 Binary A form in which the music is made up of two different sections
labelled A and B National 5
Blowing The sound produced by blowing into or across the mouthpiece of the instrument, eg brass, woodwind and recorders
National 3
Blues Blues started as Black American folk music, developing from spirituals and work songs
National 3
Bodhran An Irish wooden drum, held in one hand and played with a wooden beater
National 5
Bongo Drums Fairly high-pitched drums, joined in pairs and usually played with fingers and palms
National 5
Bothy ballad A folk song, usually with many verses, from north-east Scotland
National 5
Bowing The sound produced by drawing the bow across the strings of a stringed instrument, eg violin or cello
National 3
Brass A family of instruments made from metal with a mouthpiece, eg trumpet and euphonium
National 3
Brass band A band of brass instruments and percussion National 4
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Bridge A link between two themes. In sonata form the bridge or transition links the first subject-group to the second subject-group and also modulates to the key of the second subject. See Sonata form.
Advanced Higher
Broken chord In a broken chord, the notes of a chord are played separately National 4
Cadence The end of a musical phrase National 5 Cadenza A passage of music which allows soloists to display their
technical ability in singing or playing an instrument National 4
Canon Strict imitation. Once one part starts to play or sing a melody, another part enters shortly afterwards with exactly the same melody
National 4
Castanets A percussion instrument popular in Spanish music National 5
Cello This instrument belongs to the string family and is slightly smaller and slightly higher in pitch than a double bass
National 4
Celtic Rock A style of music that mixes Celtic folk music and rock together
National 5
Chamber music Music written for a small instrumental ensemble with one player to a part.
Higher
Change of Key A move from one key to another National 4
Choir A group of singers who perform together National 3
Chorale A German hymn tune. Written in four parts for soprano, contralto (alto), tenor and bass, some of these chorales were used by Bach in his oratorios and cantatas. Usually homophonic in texture. See Homophony.
Advanced Higher
Chord Two or more notes sounding together National 3
Chord progression
A series of related chords built on the first, fourth and fifth notes of a major or minor scale
National 4
Chord progression
Different progressions using the chords built on the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th notes of a major or minor scale
National 5
Chorus A group of singers, the music written for them or the refrain between verses of a song
National 5
Chromatic Notes which move by the interval of a semitone National 5
Clarinet This instrument belongs to the woodwind family. It uses a single reed, which is attached to a plastic mouthpiece
National 4
Clarsach A small Scottish harp, used in folk music. Clarsach is Gaelic for harp
National 5
Classical A term used to describe/refer to music composed during the period 1750-1810 approximately; the era of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven
National 5
Cluster A term used to describe a group of notes, which clash, played together
National 5
Coda A passage at the end of a piece of music which rounds it off effectively
National 5
Col legno Instruction given to string players to turn the bow over and bounce the wood on the strings
National 5
Coloratura Term for high, florid vocal singing involving scales, runs and ornaments. Sometimes these passages were written down, but often were extemporised by the performer
Higher
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 9
Compound time The beat is divided into groups of three National 5 Compound time groupings
The beat is a dotted note which divides into three, eg 6/8 = two dotted crotchet beats in a bar and each beat can be divided into three quavers
National 5
Concertino In a Concerto grosso this is the name given to the small, solo group of instrumentalists as opposed to the main group, the Ripieno
Higher
Concerto grosso A type of concerto in which a group of soloists (concertino) is combined and contrasted with a larger group (ripieno)
Higher
Con sordino-muted
The beat is a dotted note which divides into three, eg 6/8 = two dotted crotchet beats in a bar and each beat can be divided into three quavers
National 5
Concerto A work for solo instrument and orchestra, eg a flute concerto is written for flute and orchestra
National 4
Consort A small group of instruments of the same family playing together, e.g. a consort of viols. The term usually applies to music from the Renaissance period.
Advanced Higher
Contemporary Jazz
an umbrella term for all kinds of jazz music being played now – as well as jazz music of the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s &10’s – which can feature some or all of the following; sophisticated, highly chromatic harmonies(verging on impressionist or atonal), rhythmic experimentation (cross rhythms, changing time signatures), development of a groove based on just two or three chords, instruments used in experimental ways (melodic instruments used in percussive roles, harmonics and other virtuoso performing techniques), world music and avant garde influences and inclusion of instruments never used seriously in jazz before (flugelhorn, flute or oboe).
Advanced Higher
Contrapuntal Texture in which each of two or more parts has independent melodic interest; similar in meaning to polyphonic
National 5
Contrary motion
Two parts which move in opposite directions, eg as one part ascends the other part descends
National 5
Counter melody A melody played against the main melody National 5
Countersubject In a Fugue, after the subject or answer is played, the continuation on that same instrument or voice is called the countersubject.
Advanced Higher
Countertenor A male adult voice whose range is higher than a tenor’s. The strong and pure tone is produced by resonances mainly in the head. This type of voice was very popular until the end of the 18th century. See Tenor.
Advanced Higher
Crescendo The music gradually becomes louder National 3 Cross rhythm Contrasting rhythms played at the same time or played with
unusual emphasis on notes National 5
Crotchet q A note that lasts for 1 beat National 3
Cymbals A percussion instrument, round in shape and made of metal National 4
Da capo aria An aria in Ternary form (ABA) used in opera and oratorio in the 17th and 18th centuries. The third section is not written out but the instruction Da capo (from the beginning) is given
Higher
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 10
instead. The repeat of the A section was performed with the solo ornamented.
Descant (Voice) A counter melody which accompanies and is sung above the main melody
National 5
Descending Descending notes fall in pitch National 3
Diminished 7th A chord consisting of three intervals of a minor 3rd built one on top of the other, the interval between the lower and top note being a diminished 7th. This can be a very useful chord for modulation to distant keys.
Higher
Diminished chord
A chord consisting to two intervals of a minor 3rd built on top of each other.
Advanced Higher
Diminuendo The music gradually becomes quieter National 3
Diminution A decrease in the length of notes. The music will sound faster when imitated or repeated.
Higher
Discord A chord in which certain notes clash. In the 20th century, many composers used discords in their music
National 3
Distortion An electronic effect used in rock music to colour the sound of an electric guitar. It gives a ‘fuzzy’ sound rather than the usual clean sound
National 4
Dominant 7th Chord built on the dominant (5th) note of a key which adds the 7th note above its root. It is sometimes written as V7 or, in the key of C major, G7(GBDF)
Higher
Dotted crotchet A note that lasts for 1 ½ beats National 5 Dotted minim A note that lasts for 3 beats National 3
Dotted quaver A note that lasts for ¼ beats National 5
Dotted rhythm A long note followed by a shorter note followed by a longer one, as in a Scotch snap
National 5
Drone One note held on or repeated in the bass National 4 Drum fill A rhythmic decoration played on a drum kit National 3
Drum kit A set of drums and cymbals often used in rock music and pop music
National 3
Electric guitar A guitar which requires an electric amplifier to produce sound National 3
Electronic Dance Music
music normally heard in dance clubs where the DJ combines tracks electronically into one smooth mix. EDM originally featured drum machines, synthesisers and sequencers but is currently now mostly produced using computers and software that contains sampling, effects and multitrack recording features. Electronic music can encompass music of different genres including house music, dubstep, drum and bass.
Advanced Higher
Episode A section of music linking two appearances of the same material. In Fugue an episode can be used as a modulating link between entries of the subject and is frequently based on fragments from the subject or Countersubject.
Advanced Higher
Exposition The first section of a movement in Sonata form (Exposition - Development - Recapitulation) or the first section of a Fugue where each voice has played or sung at least one entry of subject or answer.
Higher
Faster The tempo (speed) increases National 3
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Fiddle Another name for the violin, used in Scottish folk music National 3 Flute This instrument belongs to the woodwind family, although it is
made of metal. It differs from other woodwind instruments as it does not have a reed
National 4
Flutter tonguing Rolling your ‘r’s’ whilst playing a brass or woodwind instrument
National 5
Folk groups A group of two or more musicians who perform music in a traditional style, usually accompanied by guitars
National 3
Forte (f) Forte means loud volume National 3 Fortissimo (ff) This means very loud volume National 5
French horn This instrument belongs to the brass family and is basically four metres of tubing curled around, with a bell shaped opening on one end and a mouthpiece in the other
National 5
Fugue A contrapuntal piece based on a theme (subject) announced in one voice part alone, then imitated by other voices in close succession. See Episode, Tonal answer, Real answer, Subject, Exposition and Stretto.
Advanced Higher
Gaelic psalms Psalms (hymns) which were sung in Gaelic, unaccompanied National 5
Glissando Sliding from one note to another, taking in all the notes in between where possible
National 5
Glockenspiel This instrument belongs to the percussion family. The metal bars are laid out in a similar pattern to the piano and are played with beaters
National 4
Gospel Music written with religious lyrics, often in praise or thanksgiving to God
National 5
Grace note A type of ornament played as a quick, crushed note before the main note of a melody
National 5
Ground bass A theme in the bass which is repeated many times while the upper parts are varied
National 5
Grouped semiquavers
A group of semiquavers which are joined together National 4
Güiro This instrument belongs to the percussion family. It is made of wood that has been hollowed out and has ridges cut into the outer surface. A wooden stick is scraped along the ridges to produce the sound
National 4
Harmonic minor scale
Scale which shares the same key signature as its relative major but raises the 7th note by a semitone.
Higher
Harmonics The high eerie sounds produced on a bowed string instrument by lightly touching the string at certain points. On a guitar these will sound bell-like.
Higher
Harmony The sound of two or more notes made at the same time National 3 Harp This instrument belongs to the string family. It is usually about
1.8 metres high, weighs 36kg and has 47 strings National 4
Harpsichord A keyboard instrument which looks like a small grand piano. The keys are laid out in the same way as a piano but are opposite in colour – the majority of the keys are black, and the raised ones are white
National 4
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 12
Hemiola A rhythmic device giving the impression of a piece of music changing from duple (2) to triple (3) time, or vice versa. Sometimes placed at the end of a piece to act as a kind of Rallentando.
Advanced Higher
Hi hat cymbals Used as part of a drumkit, they consist of two cymbals (one upside-down) that are hit with a stick or brush, and opened/closed with a foot pedal
National 5
Homophonic Texture where you hear melody with accompaniment or where all the parts play a similar rhythm at the same time
National 5
Imitation Where the melody is immediately copied in another part National 4
Imperfect cadence
A cadence consists of two chords at the end of a phrase. In an imperfect cadence the last chord is chord V (the dominant) creating an unfinished effect.
National 5
Impressionism A term borrowed from painting in which brief musical ideas merge and change to create a rather blurred, hazy and vague outline
Higher
Impressionist A term borrowed from painting in which brief musical ideas merge and change to create a rather blurred and vague outline. Debussy was an important composer of this style. (Extended definition – Texture and timbral exploration were also important features, including use of whole tone and pentatonic scales, parallel chords and unresolved discords.)
Advanced Higher
Improvisation The performer makes up music during the actual performance, they don’t have the melody written down to help, although there may be suggested chords as a guide
National 3
Indian music Music from India which uses instruments such as the sitar and tabla
National 5
Interrupted cadence
A cadence is formed by two chords at the end of a phrase. An interrupted cadence is usually formed by the chords V–VI. (In the key of C major, chords G to A minor.) This is known also as the surprise cadence as the listener may be expecting V–I which has a more final sound.
Higher
Interval The distance in pitch between two notes, eg C - F is a 4th. Higher
Inversion 1. When a musical shape is mirrored. 2. An inverted chord is formed when a note other than the root
is in the bass. 3. In serial composition the tone row may be used in inverted form. This appears as a mirror image (in contrary motion). The Tone row may also be used in retrograde inversion.
Advanced Higher
Inverted pedal A note which is held on or repeated continuously at a high pitch
National 5
Irregular time signatures
Often in modern or rhythmically based ethnic music, groupings of notes change, but the underlying pulse remains constant. Groupings of two and three produce irregular accents and metres.
Higher
Jazz At first this was music created by black Americans in the early 20th century
National 3
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 13
Jazz funk A combination of jazz improvisation and the amplified instruments and character of Rock.
Higher
Jig A fast dance in compound time. Usually 2 beats in a bar, with each beat dividing into 3 quavers
National 4
Latin American music
Dance music from South America National 3
Leap/leaping Jumping between notes which are not next to each other National 3
Legato The notes are played or sung smoothly National 3
Leitmotiv A theme occurring throughout a work which represents a person, an event or an idea, etc. The first composer to use leitmotiv extensively was Wagner, in his operas.
Advanced Higher
Lied/lieder This term (the German word for song) refers specifically in the Romantic era to works for solo voice and piano. The text is in German, the structure of the verses is strophic and through composed. An important feature is that the voice and piano are equally important.
Higher
Lines and spaces on the treble clef
The system for writing music uses five lines, each with a different letter name – find out more about the lines and spaces
National 3
Madrigal In the Renaissance era, this was a non-religious work, polyphonic in style, using imitation. Features of madrigal include text in English, use of word painting, through-composed music, usually sung A cappella. See Ballett and Word painting. (Extended definition. An ayre (air or song) is a madrigal which can be performed by a solo voice with lute accompaniment; by solo voice accompanied by other instruments; or with all parts sung by voices with or without accompaniment.)
Advanced Higher
Major The music sounds in a major key – often described as having a cheery, happy feel to it
National 4
March Music with a strong steady pulse with two or four beats in a bar
National 3
Mass In the Renaissance era the Mass was a sacred choral work using the five main sections of the Roman Catholic church liturgy. Features of the Mass include Latin text and polyphonic texture, and it is usually sung a cappella. Originally used in church worship, but in later years became a large-scale work for chorus, soloists and orchestra.
Higher
Melismatic Several notes sung to one syllable National 5
Melodic minor scale
Scale which shares the same key signature as its Relative major but raises the 6th and 7th notes by a semitone ascending, and similarly lowers them.
Higher
Melodic Turn Four notes which turn round the main note with the note above, the main note, the note below, and the main note again. An inverted turn starts with the note below reversing the process.
Advanced Higher
Mezzo forte (mf)
Mezzo forte stands for fairly loud volume National 4
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Advanced Higher Page 14
Mezzo piano (mp)
Mezzo piano stands for fairly quiet volume National 4
Mezzo soprano A female singer whose voice range lies between that of a soprano and an alto
National 5
Middle eight In popular music, a section which provides a contrast to the opening section. It is often eight bars long
National 4
Minim h A note that lasts for 2 beats National 3
Minimalist A development of the second half of the 20th century based on simple rhythmic and melodic figures which are constantly repeated with very slight changes each time
National 5
Minor The music sounds in a minor key, often described as having a sadder feel than major
National 4
Mode/modal Term used to describe music based on a mode, a type of early scale used before major and minor keys were developed. Modes are used in jazz and pop music for improvising.
Higher
Moderato A medium tempo (speed) National 5 Modulation A change of key National 5
Mordent An ornament which sounds the main note, the note above and then the main note again. An inverted mordent sounds the main note, the note below and then the main note again.
Higher
Motet In the Renaissance era this was a sacred choral work with Latin text and polyphonic texture. It was usually sung A cappella. See Anthem and Mass.
Advanced Higher
Mouth music Unaccompanied songs with Gaelic or nonsense words, usually sung for ceilidh dances
National 4
Musical A musical play which has speaking singing and dancing and is performed on a stage
National 3
Musique concrete
Recorded natural sounds which are transformed using simple editing techniques such as cutting and re-assembling, playing backwards, slowing down and speeding up.
Higher
Muted Using a device which reduces the volume or alters the sound of an instrument
National 4
Nationalist A term used to describe music which incorporates elements of folk music of the composer’s country. It emerged about the second half of the 19th century and was a type of Romanticism. Composers include Glinka, Smetana and Grieg.
Advanced Higher
Neo-classical – New classicism
From about 1929 onwards this style in music came about when composers reacted against Romanticism and wanted to return to the structures and styles of earlier periods but combined with dissonant, tonal and even atonal harmonies. The composers started to write for smaller orchestras. Stravinsky and Prokofiev were two of the composers of this style.
Advanced Higher
Obbligato A prominent solo instrument part in a piece of vocal music. Higher
Oboe This instrument belongs to the woodwind family. It uses a double reed which is placed between the lips and the air travels between the two reeds into the instrument
National 5
Octave The distance of 8 notes e.g. from C up to C National 4
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Advanced Higher Page 15
Off the beat Notes played on the weaker beats, e.g. beats 2 and 4 in a 4/4 bar
National 3
On the beat Notes played on the stronger beats, e.g. beats 1 and 3 in a 4/4 bar
National 3
Opera A drama set to music with soloists, chorus, acting and orchestral accompaniment
National 4
Oratorio Usually a story from the Bible set to music for soloists, chorus and orchestra. It may include recitatives, arias, duets and chorus. It is performed without acting or stage design.
Higher
Orchestra There are four main sections to an orchestra: strings, woodwind, brass and percussion
National 3
Organ A keyboard instrument usually found in churches. It usually has more than one keyboard, plus pedals that are played with the feet
National 3
Ornament An ornament decorates a melody by adding extra notes. Ornaments are often short and add melodic and rhythmic interest
National 4
Ostinato A short musical patter repeated many times National 3
Paired quaver Two quavers (1/2 beat notes) joined together National 4
Pan pipes Pipes which are graded in size and are bound together. The sound is made by blowing across the top of the pipes
National 4
Passacaglia Variations over a ground bass. Higher
Pause A note or rest that is held longer than written. The pause sign (looks like an eye and an eyebrow) is written above the note or rest that it is to be held as a pause
National 3
Pavan – Also pavane.
A Renaissance court dance linked with the Galliard. The pavan is slow and stately with two beats in the bar.
Advanced Higher
Pedal Short for pedal point. A note which is sustained, or repeated continuously, in the bass beneath changing harmonies.
National 4
Pentatonic Any five-note scale. In practice, the most common one is that on which much folk music is based, particularly Scottish and Celtic
National 4
Percussion Instruments that are played by hitting, striking, shaking or scraping
National 3
Perfect cadence A cadence consists of two chords at the end of a phrase. A perfect cadence is the dominant to tonic chords (V-I)
National 5
Pianissimo (pp) Pianissimo is an indication that the music should be played very softly
National 5
Piano (dynamics)
Quiet volume, abbreviated to ‘p’ National 3
Piano Trio A piano trio is a small chamber group consisting of a piano and two other instruments, normally a violin and cello.
Advanced Higher
Pibroch Music for solo bagpipe, in theme and variation form, and with grace notes
National 5
Piccolo A half-size flute which plays an octave higher than the standard flute
National 5
Pitch bend Changing the pitch of a note, for example by pushing a guitar string upwards
National 5
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Advanced Higher Page 16
Pizzicato Abbreviation pizz. An instruction given to string players to pluck the strings instead of using the bow
National 5
Plagal cadence Plagal cadence – A cadence is formed by two chords at the end of a phrase. A plagal cadence is the subdominant to tonic chords ( IV–I ). In the key of C major, chords F to C.
Higher
Plainchant Also known as Plainsong and Gregorian chant. Unaccompanied melody set to words of the Roman Catholic liturgy, such as the Mass. Plainchants are modal and have no regular metre. They follow the rhythm of the Latin words.
Higher
Plucking Sound made when you pluck the strings of a stringed instrument with a finger or fingers
National 3
Polyphonic Texture which consists of two or more melodic lines, possibly of equal importance, which weave independently of each other
National 5
Polytonality The use of two or more keys played or sung at the same time, e.g. the melody may be in the key of C major whilst the accompaniment might be in E major. This device was used by many 20th-century composers, e.g. Bartok, Ives, Holst and Stravinsky.
Advanced Higher
Pop A style of popular music played by a group of musicians National 3
Pulse The basic beat in music. The pulse may be in groups of two, three or four with a stress on the first in each group
National 3
Quaver e A note that lasts half a beat National 3
Question An opening phrase which is often followed by an answer National 3
Ragtime A style of dance music which became popular at the end of the 19th century and which helped to influence jazz
National 4
Rallentando The tempo (speed) of the music gradually slows down Higher Rapping Rhyming lyrics that are spoken and performed in time to a
beat. Rapping is popular in hip-hop music National 4
Real answer In a Fugue, after the subject is played, the same tune appears in another voice or part in the dominant (a 5th higher or a 4th lower). This is called the answer. If the intervals of the answer are exactly the same as the subject, the answer is said to be real. See Tonal answer and Tonal sequence.
Advanced Higher
Recitative A type of vocal writing where the music follows the rhythm of speech. It is used in operas and oratorios to move the story or plot on.
Higher
Recorder There are four main types of recorder: descant, treble, tenor and bass
National 4
Reel A Scottish dance written in simple time with two or four beats in a bar
National 3
Reggae Reggae music was developed in the late 1960s in Jamaica. It has quite a distinctive sound and has the characteristics of strong accents on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar
National 4
Relative major A change from minor to major key with the same key signature found three semitones higher, eg D minor to F major.
Higher
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 17
Relative minor A change from major to minor key with the same key signature found three semitones lower, eg C major to A minor.
Higher
Renaissance Rebirth of interest in classical times of the distant past. In music, the word refers to the style of music from the period from about 1450 to 1600, i.e. between Medieval and Baroque.
Advanced Higher
Repeat sign A sign which indicates a section of music should be repeated National 4 Repetition An exact repeat of a musical idea National 3
Retrograde To go backwards. A melody or a section of music can be written or performed from the end to the beginning. The texture of the music including the harmonies can be written or performed from the end to the beginning. Retrograde inversion means the music can be written or performed backwards and upside-down at the same time. These are called serial techniques. See Serial.
Advanced Higher
Reverb An electronic effect which can give the impression of different hall acoustics
National 5
Riff A repeat phrase usually found in jazz and popular music National 3
Ripieno In Baroque music, especially Concerto grosso, the term means the main group of instrumentalists as opposed to the small/solo group which was known as the Concertino.
Higher
Ritardando The music slows down National 5
Ritornello Little return. A 17th-century term for a brief introduction or interlude in a vocal composition, or for a brief instrumental passage between scenes in a 17th-century opera. In a Concerto grosso, the ritornello is the main theme played by the Ripieno group (the orchestra) and sometimes by Concertino (the soloists). The ritornello may return frequently throughout the movement, similar to a Rondo.
Higher
Rock A style of popular music with a heavy, driving beat. Usually features electric guitar, bass guitar and drum kit
National 3
Rock ‘n’ roll 1950s American music which grew from the combined styles of jazz, blues, gospel
National 3
Roll A very fast repetition of a note on a percussion instrument, e.g. on a snare drum or timpani
National 5
Romantic In music, the period 1810-1900 approximately, which followed the Classical era
National 4
Rondo A form where the first section (A) keeps returning, in between different sections – B, C etc
National 5
Round Each part sings or plays the same melody, entering one after the other. When they reach the end they start again
National 3
Rubato Translates as ‘robbed time’ which means the music will speed up and slow down in order to allow for expression, therefore there will not be a strict tempo maintained
National 5
Saxophone This instrument belongs to the woodwind family. It uses a single reed which is attached to a plastic mouthpiece
National 4
Scale A sequence of notes moving by step in an ascending or descending order
National 4
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 18
Scat singing Nonsense words, syllables and sounds are improvised (made up) by the singer. Sometimes the singer is imitating the sounds of instruments
National 4
Scotch snap A very short accented note before a longer note National 4
Scots ballad A Scottish song which tells a story. Examples of Scots ballads are ‘Flower of Scotland’ and ‘Loch Lomond’
National 4
Scottish Music of Scotland National 3
Scottish dance band
A band which plays Scottish music for people to dance to National 3
Semibreve w A note that lasts for four beats National 3
Semiquaver y A note that lasts for a quarter (1/4) of a beat National 4 Semitone Half a tone, e.g. G to Ab on a keyboard. From one fret to
another on a guitar National 5
Sequence A melodic phrase which is immediately repeated at a higher or lower pitch
National 3
Serial A 20th-century method of musical composition invented by Schoenberg in which the twelve notes of the Chromatic scale are organised into a series or tone row. This row can be transposed, inverted or played in retrograde, and forms the material basis for an entire work or movement. See Tone row, Retrograde, Inversion and Atonal.
Advanced Higher
Sforzando A note played with a forced sudden accent National 5
Simple time The music has two, three or four beats in each bar, and each beat is a crotchet (1 beat note) and each beat can be divided into 2
National 4
Sitar A plucked, stringed instrument from India. It’s basically an Indian guitar – easy to remember because sitar rhymes with guitar
National 5
Slower The tempo (speed) decreases National 3
Snare drum This instrument belongs to the percussion family and is played with sticks or brushes. This drum can act as two different instruments – a side drum and a snare drum
National 4
Solo One instrument or voice. A prominent instrument or voice can be solo even when part of a larger ensemble
National 3
Sonata A work for solo piano, or a solo instrument accompanied by piano, in three or four movements.
Higher
Sonata form Sometimes known as first movement form. This term is used to describe the structure of the first movement of many sonatas, symphonies and often overtures. It falls into three sections: exposition, development and recapitulation. The exposition introduces two contrasting themes in related keys. These are developed and heard again in the recapitulation, this time in the same key.
Higher
Song cycle A group of songs linked by a common theme or with a text written by the same author, usually accompanied by piano but sometimes by small ensembles or full orchestra.
Advanced Higher
Soprano The highest range of female voice National 4
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 19
Soul music A style of Afro-American popular music including elements of blues and gospel and conveying strong emotions.
Higher
Sprechgesang A technique used in vocal music where the singer is required to use the voice in an expressive manner half-way between singing and speaking. It appears in a number of pieces by Schoenberg and Berg (early 20th century).
Advanced Higher
Staccato The notes are short and detached National 3
Steel band A West Indian band whose instruments are made out of oil drums called pans. The top of each drum is hammered into panels to make different pitches
National 3
Step/stepwise Moving up or down between notes which are next to each other
National 3
Strathspey A Scottish dance with four beats in a bar and usually featuring the Scotch snap
National 4
Stretto Where voices or instruments enter very quickly one after the other, as in Fugue. Each entry or part enters closely after the previous part, thus adding tension and excitement.
Advanced Higher
Striking The sound is produced by hitting the instrument National 3
Strings The family of instruments which have strings. The sound is produced by dragging a bow across the strings or by plucking them with the fingers
National 3
String quartet An ensemble consisting of two violins, viola and cello. See chamber music.
Higher
Strophic A song which has music repeated for verses/choruses, therefore the same music will be heard repeating throughout the song
National 5
Strumming A finger, fingers or plectrum are drawn across the strings of an instrument, usually guitar
National 3
Subject The main theme in a composition, the main themes in sonata form, or the main theme on which a fugue is based.
Higher
Suspension This effect occurs when a note from one chord is held over to the next chord creating a discord, and is then resolved by moving one step to make a concord.
Advanced Higher
Swing A jazz style which started in the 1930s and was performed by a big band. The numbers and types of instruments in the big bands increased during this period, through the influence of swing
National 4
Syllabic Vocal music where each syllable is given one note only National 5
Symphony A large work for orchestra, usually in four movements National 5
Syncopation Strongly accented notes playing off or against the beat. Syncopation occurs in all kinds of music
National 4
Tabla Indian drums often used to accompany the sitar National 5
Tambourine This instrument belongs to the percussion family. A wooden or plastic frame has pairs of metal jingles attached and is mostly played by the hand striking or shaking the instrument
National 4
Tenor A high-pitched, adult male voice National 4 Ternary A B A – 3 part form: Section A, followed by a B section which is
a different melody, then a return to the A section National 4
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 20
Theme and variation
The structure of a piece where the melody is heard (the theme), then returns several times with variations
National 4
Three against two
One line of music may be playing quavers in groups of two whilst at the same time another line of music will be playing triplets. Other note values can be similarly used.
Higher
Through-composed
A vocal/choral composition in which there is little or no repetition of the music.
Higher
Tierce de Picardie
When a piece of music which is in a minor key has a major chord as its last chord
Higher
Timpani A drum with skin stretched across a large bowl. It was traditionally made of copper, but is more commonly now made of fibreglass.
National 4
Tonal answer In a Fugue, after the subject is played, the same tune appears in another voice or part in the dominant (a 5th higher or a 4th lower). This is called the answer. If the intervals of the answer are not exactly the same as the subject, the answer is said to be tonal. See Real answer and Tonal sequence.
Advanced Higher
Tone The distance between two notes, equivalent to two semitones (for example, two frets on a guitar)
National 5
Tone poem A one-movement piece for orchestra which tells a story or maybe relates an experience from the composer’s life. Tone poems were found in the Romantic era and were also known as symphonic poems.
Advanced Higher
Tone row An arrangement of the twelve notes of the octave which forms the basis of a composition. Each note is as important as another; there are no important notes such as the tonic and dominant. The row can also be used in inversion or retrograde. See Serial.
Advanced Higher
Tremolando Trembling, quivering. Term for the rapid up-and-down movement of a bow on a stringed instrument creating an agitated, restless effect.
Higher
Triangle This is a piece of metal in the shape of a triangle, open at one corner, and struck with a metal beater. It is an unturned percussion instrument, as it cannot play a range of notes
National 4
Trill Moving quickly and repeatedly between two notes which are a step apart
National 5
Triplets There are four main types of recorder: descant, treble, tenor and bass
Higher
Tritone Interval of an augmented 4th, e.g. C–F sharp or F–B. It is made up of three whole tones.
Advanced Higher
Trombone This is the only brass instrument that has a slide instead of valves. Air vibrates through a player’s lips, into a mouthpiece which is connected to the instrument
National 4
Trumpet The trumpet is the smallest and highest brass instrument in the brass family. Air vibrates through a player’s lips, into a mouthpiece which is connected to the instrument
National 4
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 21
Tuba The tuba is the largest and lowest brass instrument in the brass family. Air vibrates through a player’s lips, into a mouthpiece which is connected to the instrument
National 5
Unaccompanied There are no instruments playing in the background National 3
Unison Singing or playing the same notes at the same time National 3
Vamp A rhythmic accompaniment with a bass note played on the beat and a chord off the beat. Usually played on piano or guitar
National 4
Verse and chorus
A structure/form popular in many songs. The music of the verse will repeat, often with different words, and between verses the chorus will normally repeat and features different music to the verse
National 4
Viola This instrument belongs to the string family. It is slightly bigger and lower in pitch than the violin, but looks similar. It can be played with a bow
National 5
Violin This instrument belongs to the string family. It is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family. It can be played with a bow
National 4
Voice The human instrument used to speak or sing National 3
Walking bass A bass line (low notes) often featured in a variety of jazz styles. It goes for a walk, up and down a pattern of notes, and is often played on a double bass
National 5
Waltz A dance with three beats in a bar in simple time National 3 Waulking song A rhythmic song sung in Gaelic by the women in the Western
Isles of Scotland while they waulked woolen cloth to soften and shrink it
National 5
Whole tone scale
A scale containing no semitones but built entirely on whole tones
National 5
Wind band A band with woodwind, brass and percussion instruments National 4
Woodwind Instruments which produce sounds by blowing across a hole, against an edge or through a single or double reed, eg flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. They need not be made of wood
National 4
Xylophone This instrument belongs to the percussion family. The wooden bars are laid out in a similar pattern to the piano and are played with beaters
National 4
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 22
www.EducationScotland.gov.uk/NQMusic
Date studied
NA
TIO
NA
L 3
Scottish music Styles
Groups
Instruments
Instrumental music
Instruments
Instrument families
Groups
Methods of playing
Vocal music Styles
Types of voice
World music Styles
Groups
20th century music Styles
Instruments
Popular music styles
Musical periods & styles
Tempo, dynamics, rhythms, notation
Tempo
Rhythms
Dynamics
Notes
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 23
www.EducationScotland.gov.uk/NQMusic
Date studied
NA
TIO
NA
L 4
Scottish music Styles
Instruments
Instrumental music
Instruments
Styles
Methods of playing
Groups
Vocal music Styles
Types of voice
World music Styles
Instruments
20th century music Styles
Rhythms
Popular music styles
Musical periods & styles
Tempo, dynamics, rhythms, notation
Tempo
Rhythms
Dynamics
Notes
Learner revision
Scottish music quiz
Vocal music quiz
20th century music quiz
Musical period quiz
Instrumental music quiz
World music quiz
Popular music quiz
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 24
www.EducationScotland.gov.uk/NQMusic
Date studied
NA
TIO
NA
L 5
Scottish music Styles
Instruments
Instrumental music Instruments
Styles
Methods of playing
Vocal music Styles
Types of voice
World music Instruments
Styles
20th century music
Popular music styles
Musical periods & styles
Tempo, dynamics, rhythms, notation
Tempo
Rhythms
Dynamics
Notes
Learner revision
Scottish music quiz
Vocal music quiz
20th century music quiz
Musical period quiz
Instrumental music quiz
World music quiz
Popular music quiz
Revision exercises
Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary
Advanced Higher Page 25
www.EducationScotland.gov.uk/NQMusic
Date studied
HIG
HER
All Higher concepts
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IGH
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