CSET: Music (226 / 227) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Interval class

The smallest distance between two pitch classes, measured in semitones from 0 to 6; compound intervals reduce to an interval class (e.g., a perfect 12th has interval class 7).

Authentic cadence

A cadence ending with a V–I progression; it is perfect if both chords are in root position and the soprano ends on the tonic scale degree.

Half cadence

A cadence that ends on the dominant chord (V), creating an incomplete or open feeling; common at the midpoint of a phrase.

Deceptive cadence

A cadence where V resolves to vi instead of I, frustrating the expected resolution; also called a false cadence.

Rounded binary form

A two-part form (A–B–A) where the opening A material returns after the B section, often in the tonic key; common in Classical minuets and scherzos.

Sonata form

A large-scale form with exposition (two key areas), development (modulation and fragmentation), and recapitulation (both themes in tonic), often with an introduction and coda.

Tonicization

A brief emphasis on a chord other than the tonic, usually through a secondary dominant, without establishing a new key by cadence.

Compound meter

A meter in which each beat divides into three equal parts, such as 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8; the dotted note value represents the beat.

Order of sharps

The sequence F–C–G–D–A–E–B in which sharps appear in key signatures; the last sharp is the leading tone of the key.

Order of flats

The sequence B–E–A–D–G–C–F in which flats appear in key signatures; the second-to-last flat names the major key.

Relative minor

The minor key sharing a key signature with a major key, located a minor third below the major tonic (e.g., A minor is relative to C major).

Secondary dominant

A dominant chord of a scale degree other than the tonic, notated V/x; it introduces chromatic notes and briefly tonicizes the target chord.

Figured bass 6/4

A second-inversion triad indicated by the figures 6 and 4 above the bass; the fifth of the chord is in the bass.

Parallel fifths

Two voices moving in the same direction from one perfect fifth to another; traditionally prohibited in strict voice leading.

Transposition

Shifting music by a constant interval so that it sounds in a different key while preserving the relationships between pitches.

Instrument range

The span of pitches an instrument can produce, from lowest to highest; arranging should stay within practical, idiomatic limits.

Tessitura

The most comfortable and frequently used range of a voice or instrument within its total compass; important for playability and endurance.

Basso continuo

A Baroque accompaniment consisting of a bass line with figured bass, realized by a keyboard and a melody instrument such as cello or bassoon.

Ars Nova

A 14th-century movement in French music characterized by new rhythmic notation, including duple meter and isorhythm; associated with Machaut.

Ritornello form

A Baroque form in which a recurring orchestral passage (ritornello) alternates with contrasting episodes, often featuring a soloist.

Program music

Instrumental music that depicts a story, scene, or idea, often with a descriptive title or narrative; opposed to absolute music.

Lied

A German art song for voice and piano, especially from the Romantic era; famous composers include Schubert and Schumann.

Twelve-tone technique

A compositional method using an ordered row of all twelve pitch classes, developed by Schoenberg; the row may be inverted, retrograded, or transposed.

Strophic form

A song form in which the same music is repeated for each verse of text, with no change in the melody or harmony.

Through-composed

A form in which new music is written for each section of text, with no large-scale repetition; common in art songs and opera.

Ictus

The precise point in a conducting gesture where the beat occurs; the rebound follows it and prepares the next beat.

Preparatory beat

The gesture immediately before the first sound of a piece, indicating tempo, dynamic, and articulation to the ensemble.

Cutoff

A conducting gesture that signals the ensemble to stop or release a note, usually a circular or upward motion on the final beat.

Marcato

An articulation marking indicating that notes should be played with strong accent and slight separation, often shown by an accent mark.

Diaphragmatic breathing

A breathing technique using the diaphragm and lower abdominal muscles to support the airstream; fundamental for singers and wind players.

Formative assessment

Ongoing assessment during instruction that provides feedback to adjust teaching and learning, such as quizzes, observations, or exit tickets.

Summative assessment

Assessment at the end of a unit or course that measures achievement against standards, such as a final performance or written exam.