Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Music

What is Flamenco?

The term 'flamenco' describes a type of song, a way to play the guitar, and a dance that is found essentially in Andalusia and Murcia, and even in some zones of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha. The word 'jondo' refers to a few classic types of songs related to the tradition of flamenco, which are different from more modern and festive versions.

The Origins of Flamenco

The origin of flamenco is uncertain: some theories believe it comes from India or Pakistan, from the Persian musician Ziryab, who worked in the courts of Cordoba in the 8th century. Others believe it has Arabic roots. There are many opinions that link flamenco with ancient Hebrew and Byzantine religious songs. And then there are others who think the Roma people... Continue reading "Understanding Flamenco: Origins and Musical Elements" »

Characteristics of Baroque Music

Vocal Music in the Baroque Period

Opera

Overture

Recitative

Classical Symphony Structure and Movements

1. How many movements does the symphony have? Name and explain them.

• A serious movement in a lively tempo, written in sonata form.
• A reflective slow movement.
• A minuet and a trio.
• A jolly and fast finale.

Understanding the Sonata Form

2. Explain the development part of the sonata form.

Themes are altered and used however the composer wishes. It is the freest section of the composition.

Key Elements of Classical Orchestral Music

3. How many symphonies did Haydn write?

Haydn wrote 104 symphonies.

4. What instruments were the most popular in the concerto to play as a soloist?

The piano and violin.

5. What is the second section of the sonata called?

The development.

6. During the Classical period, what was the most popular

Musical Terms and Definitions

Aria: A highly dramatic solo vocal piece with musical accompaniment, typically found in operas, oratorios, and cantatas.

Art song: A vocal composition, usually a lyric song intended for recital performance, typically accompanied by piano, in which the text is the principal focus.

Beat: Equal parts into which a measure is divided.

Bel canto: A style of operatic singing utilizing full, even tones and virtuoso vocal technique.

Cadence: A particular arrangement of chords indicating the ending of a musical passage.

Cantata: A musical composition in several movements for orchestra and chorus, often with a sacred text, utilizing recitatives, arias, and choruses.

Concerto: An extended composition for orchestra and one or more... Continue reading "Musical Terms: Definitions and Vocabulary" »

Membranophone Instruments Explained

Membranophone instruments produce sound through a vibrating membrane. Percussionists make the membrane vibrate by striking it with their hands or hitting it with wooden sticks called drumsticks or mallets.

Although many membranophone instruments have a system for adjusting the tension of the membrane or drum skin, only a few membranophones allow the percussionist to determine the precise pitch of the sounds the instrument emits. Membranophones are classified into two groups: pitched and unpitched.

Pitched Membranophones

Most instruments in this group have a single membrane and can emit a note that is tuned to a musical scale. The best-known instruments in this group include timpani (also called kettledrums),... Continue reading "Membranophone Percussion Instruments: Pitched and Unpitched Types" »

Baroque Vocal and Instrumental Music

1.1 Birth of Opera

Opera appeared in the court of the Bardi cultural circle. They were called the Camerata Fiorentina and included nobles, philosophers and poets who attempted to revive Greek theatre. The use of accompanied melody made the aim of opera clearer: opera sought intelligibility of the text. Euridice by Jacopo Peri (1600); L'Orfeo by Claudio Monteverdi.

Characteristics

Compound vocal form with a narrative nature that makes use of staged performance. It is written for orchestra, choir and soloists. Three parts:

• Overture: instrumental introduction.
• Sung style: for soloists and choirs — two types:
  1. Aria — melodies for sentimental texts.
  2. Recitative — declaimed text for passages.
• Interludes: instrumental

Humanism and Renaissance Beginnings

Humanism was a philosophical and cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century. Key aspects included anthropocentrism, a focus on classical antiquity, and scientific curiosity.

• Origin: Florence, Rome, Naples.
• Spread: Facilitated by the use of Romance languages, the invention of the printing press, the establishment of schools and universities, and its reach into England, the Netherlands, and Spain.

The Renaissance Movement

The Renaissance started as a cultural and artistic movement in Italy before spreading across Europe. It was heavily supported by the Nobility and Bourgeoisie, exemplified by families like the Medici, and artists such as Michelozzo, Michelangelo, and Donatello.

Artistic Characteristics

Renaissance... Continue reading "Renaissance Humanism and European Art History" »

Historical and Sociocultural Aspects

1. God: The Renaissance witnessed a shift from theocentric to humanistic beliefs.
2. Humanism: Humanism emphasized the importance of human reason, individuality, and the pursuit of knowledge.
3. Geographical Discoveries: Explorations led to the discovery of new lands and the expansion of European empires.
4. Nation States: The Renaissance saw the rise of nation states and the decline of feudalism.
5. Printing Press: The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication and the dissemination of knowledge.
6. Patrons of the Arts: Wealthy patrons, such as the Medicis and Sforzas, supported artists and scholars.

Religious Music

1. Germany: German composers, such as Heinrich Isaac, developed complex polyphonic masses and

How many pitch classes are in the chromatic scale?

12

Which Major scale is this one? (1)

Eb

The subdominant is Scale degree 4

What pitch is a whole step above B natural? C#

Describe the interval in the second box: (2)

6th

Semibreve is synonymous with Whole note

Rhythm refers to Combination of sounds with different durations that flow around a beat

ABCBA is an example of Arch form

The French horn is A brass wind instrument.

Stringendo means Gradually getting faster.

What does secular music mean?

Any music not written for the church.

The melismatic is a style of singing in which

We sing each syllable of the text over more than five notes.

Kyrie is

An invariable portion of the mass that can be sung at any time throughout the year.

The chorus of a cantiga is

The catchiest... Continue reading "Music Theory Basics" »