Sounding Brass » Music Theory

Definition - Accent

Ian McKenzie — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:45:39 +0000

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

Definition - Accompaniment

Ian McKenzie — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:30:10 +0000

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

Tuning A Band

Ian McKenzie — Wed, 23 May 2007 01:41:13 +0000

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.

Definition

Ian McKenzie — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:16:22 +0000

A capella: Sung music without instrumental accompaniment.

Tags: musical+definitions

Musical Definitions - Style

Ian McKenzie — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 20:53:45 +0000

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

Writing For Brass Bands

Ian McKenzie — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:22:19 +0000

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

Tags: brass+band, arranging, music, theory, harmony, composition

Musical Definitions - Tempo

Ian McKenzie — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:54:39 +0000

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

Definition - Staccato

Ian McKenzie — Sun, 21 May 2006 00:01:07 +0000

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]

Definition - Legato

Ian McKenzie — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 03:55:49 +0000

LEGATO - abbreviation: leg.

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

Definition - Accelerando

Ian McKenzie — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 22:00:25 +0000

ACCELERANDO — Abbreviation: accel.

To increase the speed gradually.

Technorati Tags: Music+Theory