Ancient Greece
Which mathematician and cosmologist (c. 570–495 BC) observed that harmonious intervals arise from numerical ratios?
Pythagoras
What is "Cosmic Order"?
Trying to understand the inherent harmony and balance between natural occurences and the universe as a whole.
How many horizontal lines are on a standard Western musical staff?
Five (with four spaces between them)
In 4/4 (common time), how many beats does a whole note last?
Four beats
Triad
What texture (or type of melody) was typical of ancient Greek music?
Monophony: a single melodic line, sometimes with heterophonic variation
Why was music so important to rituals in ancient cultures such as Egypt?
Without the appropriate music, a ritual could be ruined or incomplete
What is another name for the treble clef, and why?
The G clef, because its curl circles the G line
In 4/4 time, how many beats does a quarter note typically receive?
One beat
How does a minor triad differ from a major triad in feel?
Minor = sad, dramatic
What were "modes" in Ancient Greece and what did they represent?
Older forms of "scales" that represented emotions, and points of morality.
Which Greek double-reed pipe, often played in pairs, frequently signified emotional intensity?
The aulos (auloi)
The G clef, because its curl circles the G line
The F clef; it is used for lower-pitched instruments and voices
What does the top number of a time signature tell you?
How many beats are in each measure
Name the three basic building blocks of a triad, starting with the root.
root - 3rd - 5th
What is ethos in ancient Greek music theory?
The ethical or character-shaping power attributed to music, especially to modes and rhythms (developed by Plato alongside Aristotle)
Which god was associated with the lyre and kithara, along with education and poetry?
Apollo
What are ledger lines?
Short extra lines added above or below the staff so notes outside its range can still be written
What does the bottom number of a time signature tell you?
Which note value equals one beat (4 means a quarter note)
A 7th chord contains how many unique tones?
4 (root - 3rd - 5th - 7th)
What 1st–2nd century AD inscribed song is often called the oldest complete piece of music with surviving notation?
The Seikilos Epitaph
Besides cosmic order and ritual, how else did ancient societies use music?
As a social tool: marking status, reinforcing hierarchy, educating elites, and shaping collective identity
What do a sharp, a flat, and a natural do to a pitch?
A sharp raises it a half step, a flat lowers it a half step, and a natural cancels a previous accidental.
What rest lasts the same amount of time as a quarter note?
A quarter rest
What is the whole-step / half-step pattern of a major scale?
W-W-H-W-W-W-H