Classical Vocabulary

Chamber Music

Definition- Compositions traditionally intended for a performance in a small room or concert hall, and written for an instrumental ensemble, usually with one player for each part.

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Pie de foto: : This is chamber music for a string quartet (see slide 7).

Commission

Definition- A practice whereby a composer is hired to write a piece of music in exchange for a fee.

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Pie de foto: : Memphis Music is a musical commission company.

Concerto

Definition- A musical work for solo instrument, sometimes alone, sometimes with an accompaniment of one or more instruments and sometimes accompanied by an orchestra.

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Pie de foto: : This is a concerto for piano (piano concerto)

Libretto

Definition- The text or written words of a dramatic musical work, such as an opera.

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Pie de foto: : This is the libretto of the famous opera "Carmen", produced by Metropolitan

Prodigy

Definition- A person, often quite young in age, with exceptional talents or powers.

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Pie de foto: : This is Mozart as a young child playing the piano. He was a child prodigy.

Sonata

Definition- An instrumental work for a solo instrument performing alone or with accompaniment, in three contrasting movements, such as fast-slow-fast or loud-soft-loud.

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Pie de foto: : This is a copy of Beethoven's famous "Moonlight Sonata"

String Quartet

Definition- Four people playing stringed instruments, most often including a first and second violinist, a violist and a cellist. Or, a musical work written for this combination of instruments

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Pie de foto: : This is a performing string quartet. As you can see it consists of 2 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello.

Symphony

Definition- 1. An extended composition in three or more movements for orchestra. Beethoven added a chorus, therefore calling it a choral symphony. 2. A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments.

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Pie de foto: : This is a copy of Mozart's symphony No.4 in G minor.