Introduction to Music
STUDY SHEET
Aesthetic
Fine Arts
Painting Architecture Literature Music Sculpture
Useful Arts
Cooking Sewing Masonry Carpentry Etc.
Art
Skill which results in the creation of beauty and order and/or serves as a type of language.
Background Music Muzak
Elements
Rhythm
duple tripleSyncopated
Rhythmic Balance in Melody
Symmetrical Asymmetrical
Tempo fast slow
Melody
Simple Complex
Smooth Angular
Texture monophonic
Polyphonic
Homophonic
Heterophonic
Harmony
Modality
Tonality
Atonality
Consonance Dissonance
Timbre (color)
Strings Brass Woodwinds Percussion
Keyboard
Musica Concrete
Forms
Vocal
Simple Forms
Hymns
Art Song or Lied
Complex Forms
Mass
Cantata
Oratorio
Opera
Instrumental
Simple Forms
March
Dances
Waltz
Complex Forms
Symphony
Concerto
Sonata
Suite
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 40 in g minor, K 452 Minuet (3rd mvt.)
Additional Observations
While all of the preceding information is important to better understand what music is, the most important test for music is not how well constructed it is, but how well it communicates with the listener. The ability of the artist to better communicate usually grows as their skill and experience increases and as they are affected and tempered by life’s experiences.
The arts transcend lifetimes and eras because they deal with the soul of man, his feelings, ideas, and ideals. Having an awareness of and cultivating an appreciation for the arts is important as they will enhance the quality of one’s life.
All things return to dust
Save beauties fashioned well.
The Bust
Outlives the citadel.
The gods, too, die alas!
But deathless and more strong
Than brass
Remains the sovereign song.