All Flashcards
What is a phrase in music?
A complete musical idea, like a sentence.
What is phrasing?
How a musician interprets and shapes the melody and rhythm.
Define melodic contour.
The shape or direction of the melody (ups and downs).
What is conjunct motion?
Stepwise melodic movement (notes moving by whole or half steps).
Define disjunct motion.
Melodic movement by leaps (larger intervals).
What is register in music?
How high or low the melody is.
Define range in music.
The total span of notes in the melody.
What is a motive?
A short melodic or rhythmic idea forming the basis of a composition.
What does syllabic mean?
One note per syllable.
What does melismatic mean?
Many notes per syllable.
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.
What is the effect of conjunct motion?
Creates continuity and flow.
What is the effect of disjunct motion?
Creates contrast and variety.
What is the effect of a high register?
Can sound dramatic.
What is the effect of a low register?
Can sound subtle or mysterious.
What is the effect of a wide range?
Can sound dramatic.
What is the effect of a narrow range?
Can sound intimate.