MUL2010 module 1 notes

What is a chord, and what role does it play in harmony?

A chord is a combination of three or more pitches that sound at the same time. Harmony is the art of using chords to create harmonic progressions.

What is a melody? How many possible melodies could be written?

A melody is a succession of individual pitches which creates a musically satisfying series. In theory, a nearly infinite number of different successions of pitches could be written. However, not all of those series would be musically satisfying.

What is a pitch? What is the difference between a fundamental pitch and a partial?

A pitch is a relatively high or low sound created by a vibrating medium that consists of a fundamental pitch and partials. The fundamental pitch is the main frequency that is audible to the human ear while partials are fainter sounds created by vibrations resonating at fractional points of the vibrating medium.

What is a scale? What are the main types of scales?

A scale is a set of pitches generated by any of the twelve pitches commonly used in Western music. The main types of scales are the major scale, which sounds bright and cheerful, and the minor scale, which sounds comparatively dark and somewhat melancholy.

What is an interval? What is the difference between a half step and a whole step?

An interval is the distance between any two pitches. Half steps are the smallest interval commonly used in Western music. Whole steps are intervals that consist of two half steps.

Compare and contrast binary form, ternary form, and theme and variations.

Binary form has two main sections of different music and can be notated as AB. If the sections are repeated, this repetition is indicated as AA BB Ternary form has three main sections of music with the last section repeating the music from the first section with slight modifications. To indicate the slight modification while acknowledging the repetition, ternary form is notated A B A'. Theme and variations form has a unifying theme that is altered in each subsequent section. Like ternary form, the first section may be repeated at the end of the piece. All three forms seek balance between unity and variety.

What are the three types of meter, and what distinguishes them?

Duple meter has two beats per measure. Triple meter has three beats per measure. Compound meter consists of two, three, or four beats which are each subdivided into smaller groups of three, creating six, nine, or twelve divisions per measure.

What basic principle underlies musical form?

Form is created through balancing unity and variety.

What is form, and how does it function in different arts?

Form refers to the structure of music. In architecture, form consists of different design elements which often include repeating shapes such as columns or arches. Form in art refers to the intentional placement and balance of visual elements.

How do ensembles differ in classical music from jazz or rock? In what ways are they similar?

Large instrumental classical music ensembles are known as orchestras, which are quite large, and chamber orchestras, which are comparatively small. Smaller combinations of one to nine instruments are collectively known as chamber music. Orchestras and chamber music typically feature instruments from the four orchestral families (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion). Jazz ensembles can also be large or small. Many instruments used in jazz ensembles are also found in standard orchestral ensembles including the clarinet, trombone, piano, and trumpet. Jazz ensembles also commonly use the saxophone, which is not commonly used in classical ensembles. Rock music tends to use fewer instruments, including many that are not typically used in classical music such as electric guitars, drum kits, and synthesizers. Large vocal ensembles are called choruses. Vocal music for fewer singers use the same identifications as small instrumental ensembles (solo, duo, trio, quartet, etc.). Ensembles that include both vocalists and instrumentalists are called mixed ensembles.

What are the three primary types of musical textures, and what distinguishes them?

Monophonic texture is created by a single line of music. Polyphonic texture has more than one independent musical line. Homophonic texture consists of a single melody supported by chords.

What are two common ways of classifying musical instruments?

Musical instruments can be classified as idiophones, membranophones, aerophones, chordophones, or electrophones based on how they produce sound. Instruments can also be classified by orchestral family which includes woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. They may also be grouped by how high or low the instrument sounds, which is known as range.

What is your favorite instrument, and why? How would you describe its range?

Range refers to how relatively high or low an instrument can play. Instruments like the violin, flute, celesta, and marimba have relatively high ranges. Instruments with relatively low ranges include the cello, double bass, tuba, and bassoon. Some instruments can be described as lying within a more middle range, like the guitar, oboe, and French horn. Instruments like the harp, pipe organ, and the piano have a wide range and can play both high and low notes.

What are the differences between rhythm, tempo, and meter?

Rhythm refers to the durations of pitches and silences. Tempo is the pace of the music which is set by a basic underlying pulse called the beat. Beats are grouped into equal units called measures. The number of beats in a measure determines the meter.

How can the form of a piece of music emphasize its meaning? Explain using "My Shot" as an example.

The basic form of "My Shot" consists of a refrain that alternates with verses. The repetition of the refrain serves as a familiar reference point. The contrasting music and lyrics in the verses advance the drama as the story unfolds. The entire piece is unified by a rising bass line that provides a steady foundation. The refrain and the continuous bass line create stability and familiarity that could represent the status quo. The free variations of the verses convey a sense of departure from the norm - a musical "rebellion" analogous to the struggle for revolutionary change.

How does the context of a piece of music add to its significance?

The cultural and historical background of a piece can influence our reaction to it. For instance, the musical Hamilton draws connections between the struggles for revolutionary change in the eighteenth century and the ongoing social justice issues of today by using a diverse cast and prominently featuring rap musical styles.

What is timbre, and why is it important to our understanding of music?

Timbre is what makes one instrument sound different from another. Composers intentionally use specific timbres and blends of timbres to influence our perception of music. For example, the song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" may be perceived quite differently if played on a harp as compared to a tuba.