Music Glossary #2

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Integrated

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A designation for a show where songs are specifically suited for the situation in which they are sung or for the character who sings them.

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Melismatic text-setting

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A type of singing in which multiple notes correspond to a single syllable of poetry.

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Mute

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A device that quiets or alters an instrument’s sound in some way.

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Orchestration

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The process of allocating the pitches of a score’s melodies and harmonies to particular instruments.

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Phrygian mode

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An ancient scale pattern with intervals proceeding through a H–W–W–W–H–W–W pattern.

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Polychoral

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A chord containing two distinct diatonic harmonies simultaneously.

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Property

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A source on which a stage show’s plot is based, such as a novel, play, or movie.

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Rhythm section

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The backup musicians providing the rhythmic and harmonic foundation for a jazz tune, usually consisting of a piano, string bass, drum set, and guitar.

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Riff

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A short motif (melodic, harmonic, or even just a chord progression) that is repeated numerous times.

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Scat singing

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A jazz vocal technique in which the performer sings short, often bouncy nonsense syllables.