ritornello form
The opening passage is restated throughout the movement. Used in the first and third movements of a Baroque concerto.
ripieno
full orchestra
ostinato
a rhythmic or melodic pttern repeated for an extended period
drone
A sustained bass note that provides a harmonic foundation. Common in folk music.
programmatic writing
Music with a descriptive element.
solo concerto
An instrumental genre for soloist and orchestra.
Antonio Vivaldi
1678-1741
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685-1750
prelude
A short keyboard work in improvisatory style.
fugue
A highly structured, imitative contrpuntal composition in which a single theme prevails.
subject
The initial statement of the main theme of fugue.
answer
The second statement of the main theme in a fugue.
real answer
An exact transposition of the subject.
tonal answer
A statement of the subject in which one or more intervals is adjusted to accommodate the harmony.
countersubject
A recurring countermelody which accompanies the subject and answer.
episode
A passage within a fugue in which neither subject nor answer is present.
augmentation
Thematic material presented in longer time values.
diminution
thematic material presented in shorter time values.
stretto
Overlapping subject entries.
inversion
Thematic material presented “upside down”.
pedal point
A sustained note over which harmonies change.
tierce de Picardie
A work in a minor key ends in the tonic major (raised third).