Glossary of Terms for Question 6

This glossary brings together key terminology from the notes Style and Genre and Musical Techniques to help you analyze and describe music effectively.

Style and Genre Terms

• Baroque: A period of music (1600–1750) characterized by polyphonic textures, ornamentation, and use of the harpsichord. Common genres include concerto grosso and fugue.
• Classical: A period of music (1750–1820) noted for balanced phrasing, homophonic textures, and sonata form. Common genres include symphony and string quartet.
• Romantic: A period of music (1820–1900) emphasizing expressive melodies, chromatic harmony, and expanded orchestration. Common genres include art songs (Lied) and symphonic poems.
• Sean Nós: A traditional Irish unaccompanied singing style, characterized by free rhythm, ornamentation, and nasal tone quality.
• Reel: A traditional Irish dance tune in 4/4 time with a flowing rhythm.
• Jig: A lively Irish dance in compound time (e.g., 6/8).
• Jazz: A style featuring swing rhythms, improvisation, and blues scales.
• Fusion: A blend of different musical styles, such as jazz and traditional Irish music (e.g., Hiberno Jazz).

Musical Technique Terms

Melodic Techniques

• Ornamentation: Decorative elements in a melody, such as trills, mordents, and grace notes.
• Motif: A short, recurring musical idea.
• Sequence: Repetition of a melodic phrase at a higher or lower pitch.
• Imitation: A melody is echoed or copied by another voice or instrument.
• Melisma: Singing several notes on a single syllable.

Rhythmic Techniques

• Syncopation: Emphasising weak beats or offbeats.
• Ostinato: A repeated rhythmic or melodic pattern, often in the accompaniment.
• Cross-Rhythm: The simultaneous use of contrasting rhythms.
• Augmentation and Diminution: Lengthening or shortening note values in a theme.

Harmonic Techniques

• Pedal Point: A sustained note, often in the bass, around which harmonies change.
• Chromaticism: The use of notes outside the standard major or minor scale.
• Cadence: A chord progression that marks the end of a phrase (e.g., perfect cadence).
• Modulation: A change in key within a piece of music.

Textural Techniques

• Monophony: A single melodic line without accompaniment.
• Homophony: Melody with chordal accompaniment.
• Polyphony: Two or more independent melodies played simultaneously.

Instrumental and Vocal Techniques

• Pizzicato: Plucking the strings of a string instrument.
• Tremolo: Rapid repetition of a note to create a shimmering effect.
• Glissando: A slide between two pitches.
• Arpeggio: Notes of a chord played in succession rather than simultaneously.
• Falsetto: A high vocal register used by male singers.

Using These Terms in Exam Answers

Exam Tips

1. Style and Genre: Refer to terms like Baroque, Romantic, reel, or fusion when identifying musical styles.
2. Melody and Harmony: Use terms such as ornamentation, motif, or pedal point to describe the musical features.
3. Rhythm and Texture: Incorporate terms like syncopation, ostinato, and polyphony for clarity and precision.
4. Instrumentation: Mention techniques like pizzicato, glissando, or tremolo when discussing instrumental effects.

Example Question and Answer

Question

"Analyze the use of structure, texture, and harmony in Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, and discuss how these features reflect its style and genre."

Answer

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen is a groundbreaking rock anthem released in 1975. It defies traditional song structures, combining opera, rock, and ballad styles into a multi-sectional composition. Its dramatic shifts in texture and complex harmonic progressions highlight its innovative fusion of genres, making it a hallmark of progressive rock.

The structure of Bohemian Rhapsody is unconventional, consisting of five distinct sections:

1. Intro (Ballad): Begins with solo voice and piano, establishing a gentle, introspective mood.
2. Ballad Section: Builds emotional intensity through layered vocal harmonies and lush instrumentation.
3. Opera Section: Dramatic and theatrical, featuring rapid changes in texture and dynamics.
4. Hard Rock Section: Climaxes with driving rhythms and electric guitar riffs.
5. Outro (Coda): Returns to the introspective tone of the introduction, ending the song reflectively. Each section flows seamlessly into the next, demonstrating Queen's mastery of through-composed form, a feature more common in classical music than traditional rock songs.

Queen uses contrasting textures to enhance the dramatic impact of each section:

• Intro: Begins homophonic, with Freddie Mercury's solo voice accompanied by block piano chords. The sparse texture emphasizes the vulnerability of the lyrics.
• Ballad Section: Expands into a rich polyphonic texture, with layered vocal harmonies (multi-tracked by Mercury) and added bass and drums.
• Opera Section: Features dense antiphonal textures, with rapid back-and-forth between the vocal harmonies and the piano/guitar accompaniment. This creates a dialogue-like effect, reminiscent of operatic recitative.
• Hard Rock Section: Texture shifts to homophonic, with guitar, bass, and drums driving the rhythm, highlighting Brian May's iconic guitar solo.
• Outro: Returns to the sparse, reflective texture of the intro, closing the song with a sense of resolution. The harmony in Bohemian Rhapsody is rich and varied, showcasing Freddie Mercury's classical influences:
• Intro and Ballad Sections: Primarily diatonic, rooted in B♭ major, with moments of chromaticism that add emotional depth.
• Opera Section: Features unexpected modulations, shifting keys rapidly to create a sense of drama and unpredictability.
  • For example, the line "Galileo, Galileo" incorporates harmonies that briefly modulate into unrelated keys, enhancing the theatrical quality.
• Hard Rock Section: Emphasizes power chords and a tonal centre around E♭ major, typical of rock music.
• Outro: Returns to the original B♭ major, bringing the piece full circle and creating a sense of closure. Bohemian Rhapsody reflects the progressive rock genre, known for blending classical techniques with rock elements. Its use of through-composed form, intricate harmonies, and operatic textures demonstrate Queen's ambition to push the boundaries of traditional rock songwriting. The theatrical opera section, combined with the raw energy of the hard rock section, created a fusion of styles that was unprecedented in popular music.

In Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen masterfully combines diverse musical elements to create a genre-defying work. Its innovative structure, varied textures, and complex harmonies reflect the band's progressive rock influences and their ability to transcend traditional boundaries. This piece remains a timeless example of creativity and technical brilliance in popular music.

Why This Answer Works:

1. Terminology: Key terms like through-composed, modulation, antiphonal, and power chords are used effectively and accurately.
2. Structure: The analysis is organized into clear sections addressing the prompt (structure, texture, harmony).
3. Examples: Specific moments, such as "Galileo" in the opera section and the hard rock guitar solo, are referenced to support points.
4. Context: The answer places Bohemian Rhapsody within the progressive rock genre while highlighting its unique blend of influences.
5. Focus: The response stays relevant to the question, with no unnecessary information.