Specialising in
ADULT MUSIC EDUCATION
Small group classes at
Ainslie Arts Centre
Specialising in
ADULT MUSIC EDUCATION
Small group classes at
Ainslie Arts Centre
ADULT MUSIC EDUCATION
Small group classes
Ainslie Arts Centre & Online
GLOSSARY OF MUSICAL TERMS:
O - R
A type of progression in two-part counterpoint in which one voice moves and the other remains stationary.
1. A series of eight consecutive diatonic tones. 2. The interval between the first and eighth tones of such a series.
Work; often written Op. or op. Opus number, one number in the series with which a composer traditionally marks his or her works.
An embellishment.
Or; or else; indicates an alternative reading or fingering of a passage.
Obstinate; the incessant repetition of a theme.
Octave; written 8va---- or 8---- to be played an octave higher; written 8va bassa---- or 8vb---- or 8 bassa---- to be played an octave lower.
Voice leading in harmony or counterpoint in which intervals move in the same direction.
1. A portion or section of a piece, usually short. 2. A rapid repeated figure, either ascending or descending.
Notes or tones foreign to the chords which they accompany, and passing by a step from one to another.
A musical medly of extracts from different works, pieced together an provided with new words so as to form a "new" composition.
A sustained or continuously repeated note (tone).
Pensive, thoughtful.
Dying away.
Heavy, ponderous; firm, vigorous.
Little by little.
Pieces.
Piece
A short figure or passage unbroken in continuity and thus complete in itself.
A curved line connecting the notes of a phrase.
The church mode corresponding to the scale from E to E on the white keys of a piano; the order of intervals is: tone-tone-tone-semitone-tone-tone-semitone.
Pleasant, agreeable.
Very soft; abbreviated pp.
Soft, softly; abbreviated p.
With piquant, sprightly expression.
Pitiful, moving.
More.
In modulation, a chord pivotal to both the old key and the new key.
Placidly, tranquilly.
Placid, smooth.
Full.
Very little.
Little. A poco a poco, little by little.
A lively round dance in 2/4 time.
A dance of Polish origin, in 3/4 time and moderate tempo.
The simultaneous presence of musical lines in different meters.
The combination in harmonious progression of two of more independent melodies.
The simultaneous presence two or more conflicting transient rhythms.
The simultaneous use of two or more different tonalities or keys.
Pompously, loftily.
Ponderous.
Sedate, dignified.
Preceding.
With precision.
A musical introduction to a composition or drama.
Pressing on, accelerating.
Accelerate; go faster.
Very rapidly.
Fast, rapid.
The downbeat. or thesis; the accent beginning the bar.
The advance from one tone to another (melodic) or from one chord to another (harmonic).
Promptly, swiftly.
Pronounced, marked.
A group of four exual notes, to be executed in the time of three or six of the same kind of notes in the established rhythm.
As if; nearly; approaching.
An eighth note.
A group of five equal notes to be executed in the time of four of the same kind of notes in the established rhythm.
To grow slower.
With rapidity: rapidly.
Fast, rapid, swift.
A return of the initial section of a movement in sonata form.
In declamatory style.
A recurring melody of a song, usually at the end of a stanza: in popular music, a chorus.
In a devotional style.
A repeat.
A notated duration indicating a pause or interval of silence.
A short melodic phrase repeated throughout a piece of music. If may also be a characteristic phrase used by an individual musician in various different pieces, as a "musical signature".
In strict time.
In a resolute, vigorous, decided style.
Growing slower and slower.
Held back; at a slower rate of speed.
An instrumental piece in which the leading theme (A) is repeated, alternating with the others. A typical pattern, with letters representing thematic sections, is: A-B-A-C-A-B-A
The lowest note of a chord in the fundamental position.
Robbed; meaning an expressive quickening or slackening from the tempo, usually without alterating the overall pace.
Quiet, calm, tranquil.
Emotion