Glossary
KeyThe tonal centre of a composition which defines the relationship of notes, chords and structure. |
LegatoSmooth, connected. |
Major/minorTerms to describe intervals, scales, chords and keys, distinguished mainly by the third note. |
MelodyThe correct term for a tune. |
MetreThe division of pulse into groups of 2, 3 or 4 beats. |
MotifThe shortest possible fragment of music that can be perceived structurally. |
MovementA self-contained section of a larger piece of music such as a sonata or symphony. Movements are characterised by differing tempos and characters and in performance are separated from each other by a brief pause. |
MutedMuffled or softened. |
PianissimoVery quiet. |
PitchThe absolute quality of a musical note perceived as high or low, but determined by frequency. |