All Flashcards
Describe a rising melodic contour.
Moving upward in pitch.
Describe a falling melodic contour.
Moving downward in pitch.
Describe an arching melodic contour.
Rising and then falling.
Describe a leaping melodic contour.
Making large jumps in pitch.
Describe a stepwise melodic contour.
Moving in small steps.
How are motives used in a composition?
Altered, extended, or fragmented to connect sections or provide contrast.
How can motives convey emotion?
Through their tempo, rhythm, and contour.
What are the characteristics of a phrase?
A beginning, middle, and end.
What does good phrasing do?
Makes the music more engaging and meaningful.
Define 'melody'.
A sequence of pitches and rhythms creating a musical statement.
What is a 'phrase' in music?
A complete musical idea, similar to a sentence.
Define 'phrasing'.
How a musician shapes a melody and rhythm through dynamics, tempo, and articulation.
What is 'melodic contour'?
The shape or direction of the melody (ups and downs).
Define 'conjunct motion'.
Stepwise melodic movement (by whole or half steps).
Define 'disjunct motion'.
Melodic movement by leaps (larger intervals).
What is 'register' in music?
How high or low a melody is.
Define 'range'.
The total span of notes in a melody.
What does 'syllabic' mean in vocal music?
One note per syllable.
Define 'melismatic'.
Many notes per syllable.
What is a 'motive'?
A short melodic or rhythmic idea forming the basis of a composition.