A crescendo is a gradual increase in the volume of music, where the sound gets louder and more intense over time. This musical term directs performers to slowly build up the volume of their playing or singing, creating a growing sense of excitement or tension. Crescendos are often used to add dramatic effect and to enhance the emotional impact of a piece, leading to a climax or more powerful moment in the music.

What is a "crescendo"?

crescendo

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A strain is a specific section or passage within a piece of music or song, often featuring a distinct melody or theme. It is usually part of a larger musical composition and is recognized for its particular tune or character. In folk and traditional music, a strain might refer to a repeated musical phrase or segment that contributes to the overall structure of the piece. The term is used to describe sections of music that stand out due to their unique musical qualities or repetitive nature.

What is a "strain"?

strain

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Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played. It indicates how fast or slow the beat of the music should be, affecting the overall pace of the performance. Tempo is usually measured in beats per minute (BPM) and can be marked in sheet music with terms like "allegro" for fast or "adagio" for slow. It helps to set the mood and energy of the music, guiding performers on how quickly or slowly to play each section.

What is a "tempo"?

tempo

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Accompaniment is the background music that supports and enhances a main melody or vocal line in a piece of music. It is usually played by one or more instruments and provides harmonic and rhythmic support, helping to create a fuller, richer sound. The accompaniment complements the main melody by adding depth and texture, allowing the primary musical elements to stand out while contributing to the overall harmony and structure of the piece.

What is an "accompaniment"?

accompaniment

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A cadence is a musical term that refers to a sequence of chords or notes that brings a phrase, section, or piece of music to a close. It acts as a musical "punctuation mark", signaling the end of a musical thought or section. Cadences can vary in style and strength, from a strong and final-sounding cadence that clearly marks the end, to a weaker or more open-ended cadence that creates a sense of continuation or suspense. They help to structure the music and provide a sense of resolution or pause.

What is a "cadence"?

cadence

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A coda is a concluding section added to the end of a musical composition or movement. It serves to bring the piece to a finish, often by revisiting themes or ideas from earlier in the music and providing a final resolution. The coda is typically distinct from the main sections and can be shorter or more elaborate, depending on the piece. It helps to give a sense of closure and completeness to the composition.

What is a "coda"?

coda

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A descant is an additional melody that is sung or played above the main melody, usually in a higher pitch. It provides a counterpoint to the main tune and adds richness and complexity to the music. Descants are often used in choral and instrumental music to create a harmonious layering effect, enhancing the overall texture of the piece. They are designed to complement the main melody while offering an additional musical line that stands out.

What is a "descant"?

descant

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An excerpt is a short portion or segment taken from a larger piece of music, text, or work. It represents a specific part of the whole, often selected to highlight a particular section, theme, or idea. In music, an excerpt might be used to showcase a notable passage or to provide a sample of the work for analysis or performance. Excerpts are useful for focusing on specific elements without needing to present the entire piece.

What is an "excerpt"?

excerpt

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A leitmotif is a recurring theme or motif in a piece of music or a literary work that is associated with a specific person, idea, or object. It helps to represent and emphasize that person, idea, or object throughout the work. Each time the leitmotif appears, it brings back the associated meaning or emotion, helping to tie different parts of the story or music together. In this way, a leitmotif serves as a recognizable musical or narrative symbol that enhances the overall cohesion and depth of the work.

What is a "leitmotif"?

leitmotif

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A middle eight refers to a section of a song, typically found in the middle of the structure, that contrasts with the verses and chorus. It is usually eight bars long and serves as a bridge or transition between different parts of the song. This section often introduces a new melody or lyrics, providing a fresh element before returning to the main themes of the song. The middle eight adds variety and helps to develop the song's overall structure.

What is a "middle eight"?

middle eight

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A movement is a distinct section or part of a larger musical composition, such as a symphony, sonata, or concerto. Each movement typically has its own character, tempo, and structure, contributing to the overall form of the piece. Movements are often separated by pauses and can vary in mood, style, and dynamics, creating a varied and interesting experience within the larger work.

What is a "movement"?

movement

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A prelude is a short piece of music that serves as an introduction to a larger composition or performance. It sets the mood and prepares the listener for the main work, offering a preview or establishing a thematic or emotional context. Preludes are commonly used at the beginning of musical works, such as operas or suites, and can also stand alone as independent pieces in genres like classical music and jazz.

What is a "prelude"?

prelude

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A part is a distinct section or line of music designated for a specific instrument or voice within a larger composition. Each part contributes to the overall harmony and structure of the piece, and they work together to create the complete musical work. In a score, parts are typically notated separately for each instrument or voice, allowing musicians to play or sing their assigned sections.

What is a "part"?

part

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A section is a specific part of a musical composition or a larger work. It is a distinct segment that can have its own melody, rhythm, and structure, contributing to the overall organization of the piece. Sections help to break down the music into manageable parts and provide structure, allowing for variation and development throughout the work.

What is a "section"?

section

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A theme is a central musical idea or melody that serves as the foundation for a piece of music or a section of a composition. It is a recurring element that can be developed, varied, and explored throughout the piece. Themes help to unify and give structure to the music, and they often represent key ideas or emotions in the composition.

What is a "theme"?

theme

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A vocal is the section that is sung by singers in a musical piece, as opposed to the parts played by instruments. It includes the melodies and lyrics meant to be performed with the voice, and it often serves as the main focus or feature of the music. The vocal can be a solo, or it can include multiple voices singing together.

What is a "vocal"?

vocal

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A variation is a version of a musical theme or melody that has been modified in some way. While the core theme remains recognizable, the variation includes changes such as alterations to melody, harmony, rhythm, or texture. Variations add interest and complexity to the music by presenting the theme in different ways while retaining its essential character.

What is a "variation"?

variation

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A cadenza is a solo passage in a musical composition, typically found near the end of a movement, where the performer showcases their technical skill and interpretative abilities. It is often played without accompaniment or with minimal accompaniment, allowing the performer to display their exceptional skill and personal style. In classical music, a cadenza may be written by the composer or improvised by the performer, and it adds an element of brilliance and expressiveness to the performance.

What is a "cadenza"?

cadenza

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An obbligato is a key musical part that must be performed as written, without alteration. It is an important and often intricate line that complements the main melody, adding richness and depth to the piece. This part is essential to the composition and plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall texture of the music.

What is an "obbligato"?

obbligato

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Form in music refers to the overall structure or organization of a piece. It outlines how different sections of the music are arranged and how they relate to each other. Form helps to provide a sense of order and coherence, guiding the listener through the different parts of the music and contributing to its overall structure and flow.

What is "form"?

form

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In music or poetry, a beat is the basic rhythmic pulse that underlies the piece. It is the regular, recurring accent or emphasis that gives the music or poem its rhythm and helps to structure the flow. In music, beats are the foundation for creating rhythm patterns and are often felt as the steady thump or pulse that listeners can tap their feet to. In poetry, the beat helps to establish the flow and rhythm of the verses, contributing to the overall musicality of the language.

What is a "beat"?

beat

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In music, a passage refers to a specific segment or portion of a musical composition. It can be a short or longer section, characterized by particular melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic features. Passages are often distinguished by their unique musical elements and can be analyzed or practiced separately from the rest of the piece. They may be used to highlight a particular theme, technical challenge, or emotional moment within the larger context of the composition.

What is a "passage"?

passage

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Here you will learn some English words related to the different parts of musical pieces such as "accompaniment", crescendo"", and "prelude".

English Words for "Parts of Musical Pieces"