A slow stately dance from the 16th Century which was usually performed at the same time as an accompanying Galliard, with this excerpt being played by a lute.
Galliard
A lively dance usually in triple time often contrasted with and following after a slower Pavan. Popular in the 16th Century, this excerpt is played by a Pipe or Church organ.
Suite
A set of dances or a collection of pieces which stood on their own or became part of a larger work.
Chaconne
A vocal or instrumental composition in slow,stately three-beat time with a Ground Bass. Popular in the 17th Century in keyboard music; this excerpt is played on a Harpsichord.
Originally a slow stately dance of the 17th century, this term now applies to a piece with a theme which is continually repeated,but not necessarily in the bass like a Chaconne. The excerpt is by Benjamin Britten from his Opera ' Peter Grimes', with the passacglia played Pizzicato on double basses. The start of this excerpt is very quiet.
Fugue
A contrapuntal piece of music based on a theme (subject)
announced in one voice part alone, then imitated by other voices in close succession. See Episode, Tonal answer, Real answer, Subject, Exposition and Stretto.
Chorale prelude
An instrumental piece based on a chorale, a German Luther hymn tune. The most famous examples were written for organ by J.S. Bach
Prelude
An introductory piece or movement before a fugue, an act of an opera, a play etc. Chopin and other romantic and later composers wrote preludes as short, independent piano pieces.
Symphonic Poem
A full symphonic work in one movement which tells a story in sound, often called a tone poem.
Tone poem
Another name for a Symphonic Poem - a full symphonic work in one movement which tells a story in sound.
A concerto normally associated with the Baroque period
in which a group of soloists ( concertino) is combined with a larger group (ripieno) and always accompanied by a Continuo ( harpsichord and usually cello playing the bass line) The excerpt the start of a Concerto grosso.
Overture
A piece of music which introduces a large scale work such as an Opera, an Oratorio, or a musical.
Sonata
A work for solo piano, or solo instrument accompanied by piano, in three or four movements.