anacrusis
The last beat of a measure anticipating the downbeat.
motive
A short melodic or rhythmic fragment used to build a melody.
harmonic rhythm
The rate of chord changes per measure.
diatonic
Based on the notes of a major or minor scale.
counterpoint
A combination of two or more melodic lines.
timbre
Tone-colour.
monody
A single line of unaccompanied melody.
opus
Latin for “work”.
homophony
A single line of melody supported by a harmonic accompaniment.
Baroque Era (years)
1600-1750
Classical Era (years)
1750-1825
Romantic Era (years)
1825-1900
Modern Era (years)
1900-present
monophonic texture
single line of unaccompanied melody
polyphonic texture
combination of two or more melodic lines