All Flashcards
What is monophony?
A single melodic line with no harmony or accompaniment.
What is homophony?
One main melody with harmonic accompaniment.
What is polyphony?
Multiple independent melodic lines happening at the same time.
Define counterpoint.
A specific type of polyphony focusing on how independent melodic lines interact harmonically.
What is 'cantus firmus'?
A pre-existing melody used as the basis for a contrapuntal composition.
Define 'call and response'.
A musical texture where a soloist is answered by a group.
What is a canon?
A melody is played or sung and then layered on top of itself, displaced by time.
What is musical texture?
How many musical lines are happening at once and how they interact.
What is first species counterpoint?
The simplest form of counterpoint, using only whole notes.
What is second species counterpoint?
Two notes in the top line for every one in the cantus firmus.
What is third species counterpoint?
Four notes in the top line for every one in the cantus firmus.
What is monophony?
A single melodic line, with no harmony or accompaniment.
What is homophony?
One main melody with harmonic accompaniment.
What is polyphony?
Multiple independent melodic lines happening at the same time.
What is counterpoint?
A specific type of polyphony, focusing on how independent melodic lines interact harmonically.
What is a cantus firmus?
A pre-existing melody used as the basis for a contrapuntal composition.
What is 'call and response' texture?
A soloist (the 'caller') is answered by a group (the 'response').
What is a canon?
A melody is played or sung and then layered on top of itself, displaced by time.
Define texture in music.
How many musical lines are happening at once and how they interact.
What is contrary motion?
When two voices move in opposite directions.
What is oblique motion?
When one voice stays the same while the other moves.
Describe the structure of a canon.
A melody is imitated by one or more voices after a short delay. The melody may be repeated exactly or with some variations.
How does call and response work?
A soloist (the “caller”) is answered by a group (the “response”).