Definition - Accent

An accent adds emphasis to a note making that note louder or longer than others in the measure.

Written by Ian McKenzie on June 14th, 2007 with no comments.
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Definition - Accompaniment

Any part or parts that support the voices or instruments carrying the principle part in music.

Written by Ian McKenzie on June 13th, 2007 with no comments.
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Tuning A Band

Doug Burden writes about the factors that need to be considered when tuning a brass band. If you’re looking for a overview of concepts, this is a good place to start.

In addition to these “hard facts” dealing with the actual imperfect design of brass instruments and the laws of physics, there are a myriad of variables which come into play when an individual attempts to play his instrument in tune. These include:

• Temperature
• Buzz
• Wind Speed

Read the entire article Salvationist.ca » Tuning A Band.

Written by Ian McKenzie on May 22nd, 2007 with no comments.
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Definition

A capella: Sung music without instrumental accompaniment.

Written by Ian McKenzie on March 12th, 2007 with no comments.
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Musical Definitions - Style

• Agitato - With agitation- excitedly
• Alla - In the style of (always used with other words) e.g., alla marcia- in the style of a march.
• Con - With (as a connecting word), e.g., andante con amore- slowly, with tenderness
• Animato - With animation, in a spirited manner
• Appassionato - With intensity and depth of feeling
• Brillante - Bright, sparkling, brilliant
• Brio - Vigor, spirit
• Cantabile - In a singing style
• Dolce - Sweetly and softly
• Energico, con - With expression
• Fuoco, con - With fire or much energy
• Grandioso - In a noble, elevated style
• Grazia, con - With a graceful, flowing style
• Legato - Smooth and connected, in a flowing manner (opposite of staccato)
• Maestoso - With majesty and grandeur
• Marcato - In a marked and emphatic style
• Pesante - Heavily, every note with marked emphasis
• Quasi - In the manner of; e.g., quasi una fantasia- in the style of a fantasia
• Scherzando - In a light playful and sportive manner
• Scherzo - A jest, one of the movements of certain symphonies, a composition of light and playful character
• Secco - Dry, plain, without ornamentation
• Sempre - Always; e.g., sempre staccato- to continue playing in a short and detached style
• Spirito, con - With spirit, or animation
• Staccato - Short and detached, with distinct precision (the opposite of legato)
• Tenuto - Sustained for the full time-value
• Tranquillo - With tranquility, quietly, restfully

Written by Ian McKenzie on February 26th, 2007 with no comments.
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Writing For Brass Bands

Nigel Horne has put together a helpful primer on writing and arranging music for brass bands. This is not an in-depth tutorial on music theory and composition. Rather, someone with an understanding of writing four-part harmony and some idea of the make up of a brass band can use this information to get started composing works for brass bands.

Writing For Brass Bands

Written by Ian McKenzie on February 3rd, 2007 with no comments.
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Musical Definitions - Tempo

In general, tempo and metronome markings should be used used as a general guide. The style of the music or the ability of the musician is also a factor in determining speed. Tempo markings are as much guides to the mood as to the speed of a selection.

• Grave —very slow and solemn
• Largo —very slow and broad, stately
• Lento —very slow
• Adagio —very slow and expressive
• Larghetto —between Largo and Andante
• Andante —slow, but moving. At a “walking” tempo.
• Andantino —quicker than Andante
• Moderato —at a moderate speed
• Allegretto —light, but not as fast as Allegro
• Allegro —quick, lively, bright
• Vivo —lively, brisk
• Vivace —faster than Allegro
• Presto —very quick

Written by Ian McKenzie on June 12th, 2006 with no comments.
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Definition - Staccato

Staccato — abbreviation: stacc.

Detached sounds, indicated by a dot over or under a note. The opposite of legato.

[tags]Music Theory, Definitions, Dictionary, Staccato[/tags]

Written by Ian McKenzie on May 20th, 2006 with no comments.
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Definition - Legato

LEGATO - abbreviation: leg.

Smooth and connected, in a flowing manner (Opposite of STACCATO)

Written by Ian McKenzie on April 20th, 2006 with no comments.
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Definition - Accelerando

ACCELERANDO — Abbreviation: accel.

To increase the speed gradually.

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Written by Ian McKenzie on April 20th, 2006 with no comments.
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