Musical terms
Music modes: the building blocks of mood and atmosphere in music
Modes are a series of seven musical scales, each with their own unique qualities and sound
Circle of fifths: your key to understanding musical harmony
If you struggle with music theory, the circle of fifths can seem a confusing concept with its roots firmly in mathematics. Fear not, we discuss what this diagram shows and its use in music
What is a Stradivarius?
Short answer? It's a make of violin... but read on to find out why they are so coveted, and who made them.
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What is a leitmotif?
Most associated with the operas of Wagner, a leitmotif is a brief musical device signifying a character, location or idea, as Charlotte Smith explains
What does it mean if you have perfect pitch?
Michael Beek explains what is meant by having perfect pitch
Does tone deafness actually exist? What being tone deaf really means and why it can't be cured
Often the term ‘tone deaf’ is used to describe a person with little musical talent – but those with genuine tone deafness are unable to distinguish differences in pitch, as Charlotte Smith explains
What is recitative?
Broadly speaking, recitative advances the action of an opera or oratorio, whereas aria reflects on that action, providing insight into the emotional state of the characters
What is a hymn?
A hymn is a song that usually involves the praise of a deity
What is the difference between sharp and flat notes?
What is a sharp? What is a flat? What do they look like in music? Read on to find out...
What is the 'Tristan Chord'?
How Wagner's opening chord to 'Tristan Und Isolde‘ revolutionised music and became known as the 'Tristan Chord’
What is a Rhapsody?
It’s nice to break out of the confines of form and structure isn’t it? Go a little bit wild? Enter the Rhapsody, music’s answer to letting it all hang loose. Well, sort of. Michael Beek explains more
What is a coloratura?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with one of classical music's technical terms, the coloratura
What is a pause in music?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with one of classical music's key technical terms: the pause
What is wassailing?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with classical music's technical terms
What is a tarantella in dance?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with one of classical music's technical terms, the tarantella
What is a carol – and how is it different to a hymn?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with classical music's technical terms, the carol
What are... variations in music?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with classical music's technical terms, variations
What is a crescendo in music?
Stephen Johnson gets to grips with the crescendo and explains what it is - and what it definitely isn't