Countermelody
An alternative melody played simultaneously with a more prominent melody
Fragment
Isolation and/or development of a small but recognizable part of a motive
Continuo
An instrumental accompaniment that is read from only a given bass line. (Often with figures)The chordal instrument realizes the bass line harmonically, from figures given or following principles of harmonic progression and voice-leading.
Obbligato
Used of an accompaniment that is an integral part of a piece
Antecedent-Consequent
The first phrase of a period; ends with an inconclusive cadence (usually a half cadence).
Contrast
In which two phrases do not share the same initial melodic material.
Double Period
A group of four phrases in which a PAC appears only at the end of the fourth phrase, following three inconclusive cadences.
Parallel period
A period in which the two phrases share the same beginning melodic interval
Period
A musical unit consisting (usually) of two phrases. Generally the first phrase ends with a weak cadence (typically a HC), answered by a more conclusive cadence (usually a PAC) at the end of the second
Binary
A composition organized into wo sections. Usually each section is repeated.
Rondo
A musical form characterized by a repeated section (refrain, or ritornello) alternating with sections that contrast in key, mode, texture, harmonic complexity, thematic content, and/or style. The contrasting sections are called episodes.
Sonata Allegro
A formal plan with a three-part design and a two part harmonic structure. Can be thought of as an expanded continuous rounded binary form.
Ternary
A composition divided into three sections. Out sections usually consist of the same musical material, while the inner section features contrasting musical qualities (including key), creating an overall ABA form.
Theme and Variations
A variation set based on a given theme, in which each variation differs in melody, rhythm, key, mode, length, texture, timbre, character, style, or motive.
Through Composed
A composition organized so that each section consists of different music, with little or no previous material recurring as the work progresses.
Heterophony
A type of texture characterized by the simultaneous variation of a single melodic line.
Homophony
A type of texture in which two or more parts move together in harmony, the relationships beween them creating chords.
Monophony
The simplest of textures, consisting of melody without accompanying harmony.
Polyphony
A type of texture consisting of two ore more independent melodic voices, as opposed to music without just one voice or music with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords.
Strophic
The simplest and more durable of music forms, elaborating a piece of music by repetition of a single formal section.
Tessitura
The vocal or instrumental range most used by a singer or instrumentalist.