The “home pitch” on which a musical scale or key is based.t
What is the tonic?
100
The earliest form of polyphony was called...
What is organum?
100
This problematic term is borrowed from art history, originally applied as a derogatory term for something that is overly ornamented, distorted, bizarre, eccentric, grotesque. Not all pieces of music from this period can be described in this way.
What is Baroque?
100
This is the main intellectual/philosophical/cultural movement associated with the Classical Period.
What is the Enlightenment?
200
The distinctive sound of an instrument or voice.
What is timbre?
200
The sound created by multiple voices playing or singing together.
What is harmony?
200
A previously composed chant melody used as the basis for a new piece of music.
What is the cantus firmus?
200
Associated with this era, this is the idea that reason supersedes any received authority (not just from church, but also the past).
What is Rationalism?
200
Born in Salzburg, this violinist, pianist, and composer had his first composition published when he was only 8 years old. His short life ended at age 35.
Who is Mozart?
300
The sequence of individual notes that make up the tune of a piece of music.
What is melody?
300
This type of texture describes two or more melodies being performed at the same time.
What is polyphony?
300
He did not compose music, however, he had an important role in establishing musical practice in the Catholic church including reorganizing the papal choir.
Who is Pope Gregory I?
300
He theorized the six basic passions.
Who is René Descartes?
300
In his early career, he presented himself primarily as a performer. Consequently, most of his works from the 1790s were for the piano.
Who is Beethoven?
400
This indicates the meter in written music.
What is the time signature?
400
This type of form presents a theme, then in subsequent iterations, it changes one or more important aspects of the theme.
What is theme and variations?
400
He was the most famous and accomplished composer of the late Medieval period.
Who is Machaut?
400
This musical accompaniment is performed by a melodic bass instrument and a harmonic instrument.
What is basso continuo?
400
He spent most of his life working for the Esterházy family.
Who is Haydn?
500
In melodic motion, this term describes pitches that are close together, one pitch following another is either directly above or directly below.
What is conjunct?
500
This form is often used in the first movement of multi-movement works such as symphonies or string quartets.
What is sonata form?
500
According to the Council of Trent, music in the Catholic church should be sung…
What is a cappella?
500
A term describing music from this time period written specifically for performance in a home (or "for the chamber").
What is "da camera"?
500
A system of employment for musicians in which they are housed, clothed, and fed by a wealthy aristocrat in exchange for serving the household musically (through composition, performance, and music lessons).