Title: Crafting a Comprehensive Vocabulary Guide for Music Graduate Entrance Exams
Introduction:
In preparing for graduate entrance exams in music, mastering the requisite English vocabulary is crucial. Not only does it aid in understanding scholarly texts and lectures, but it also enhances communication in an international academic environment. This guide aims to compile a comprehensive list of English words and phrases essential for success in musicrelated graduate entrance exams.
Section 1: Core Musical Terminology
1.
Melody
: The sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying.2.
Harmony
: The combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions.3.
Rhythm
: The pattern of beats or sounds in a piece of music.4.
Tempo
: The speed at which a piece of music is played.5.
Dynamics
: The varying levels of loudness and softness in music.6.
Pitch
: How high or low a note sounds.7.
Timbre
: The unique quality of a musical sound that distinguishes it from others.8.
Texture
: The way different musical parts are combined to create the overall sound.9.
Cadence
: A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase.10.
Form
: The overall structure or organization of a piece of music.Section 2: Instrumentation and Performance
1.
Instrumentation
: The selection and arrangement of instruments in a musical composition.2.
Conductor
: The person who leads a musical ensemble, directing its performance.3.
Soprano
: The highest vocal range for female singers.4.
Alto
: The secondhighest vocal range for female singers or the lowest vocal range for male singers.5.
Tenor
: The highest male vocal range.6.
Bass
: The lowest male vocal range.7.
Orchestra
: A large instrumental ensemble typically featuring strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.8.
Ensemble
: A group of musicians performing together.9.
Solo
: A musical passage or piece performed by a single musician.10.
Chorus
: A group of singers performing together, often with instrumental accompaniment.Section 3: Music Theory and Analysis
1.
Counterpoint
: The technique of combining two or more melodic lines in a musical composition.2.
Sonata
: A musical composition for one or more instruments, typically in several movements.3.
Chord Progression
: A series of chords played in a sequence.4.
Consonance
: The quality of being harmonious or agreeable in music.5.
Dissonance
: The quality of being harsh or disagreeable in music.6.
Cadential Progression
: A series of chords that leads to a harmonic resolution.7.
Modulation
: The process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music.8.
Theme and Variation
: A musical form in which a theme is presented and then altered in subsequent sections.9.
Tonal
: Pertaining to music written in a specific key center.10.
Atonal
: Music that lacks a key center or tonal hierarchy.Section 4: Music History and Literature
1.
Baroque
: A period in Western music history from approximately 1600 to 1750, characterized by elaborate ornamentation and contrapuntal textures.2.
Classical
: A period in Western music history from approximately 1750 to 1820, characterized by clarity, balance, and formality.3.
Romantic
: A period in Western music history from approximately 1820 to 1900, characterized by emotional expression and individualism.4.
Impressionism
: A musical style that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by evocative harmonies and atmospheric effects.5.
Modernism
: A broad term encompassing various 20thcentury musical styles that rejected traditional tonality and forms.6.
Minimalism
: A musical style characterized by the repetition of simple motifs and gradual changes over time.7.
Opera
: A dramatic work in which singers perform the principal roles and the story is conveyed through music, acting, and staging.8.
Symphony
: A largescale orchestral composition typically consisting of several movements.9.
Concerto
: A composition for solo instrument(s) and orchestra, typically in three movements.10.
Chamber Music
: Music composed for small ensembles, typically one player per part.Conclusion:
Mastering the vocabulary presented in this guide is essential for success in music graduate entrance exams. By familiarizing yourself with these terms and concepts, you will not only enhance your understanding of scholarly texts and lectures but also improve your ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. Regular practice and application of these words and phrases will undoubtedly contribute to your success in the field of music.