GCSE AQA Music - Terms

Disjunct

• A melody which moves in big intervals and leaps rather than steps

• A melody which moves connectedly in small intervals

• A melody to be played with rubato

• A melody with a triadic accompaniment

Conjunct

• A melody with a triadic accompaniment

• A melody which moves connectedly in small interval

• A melody which moves in big intervals and leaps rather than steps

• A melody to be played with rubato

Passing notes

• Melodic notes that are foreign to the essential harmonic structure and pass from one chord to another

• Notes in the melody which fill in the missing parts of the harmony

• Notes which are part of fast passages which give a sense of drive

• Notes in a melody which are played quietly and outline the harmony

Diatonic

• Does not alter the established pattern of a key or mode

• Does alter the established pattern of a key or a mode

Chromatic

• Does not alter the established pattern of a key or mode

• Does alter the established pattern of a key or mode

Ornaments

• Extra added notes which help decorate the music

• Delicate passages marked p (piano)

• Notes in a melody which alter the established pattern of a key or mode

• Melodic lines which move in steps

Ostinato

• Fast

• Slow

• Very fast

• A musical pattern that persistently repeats in the same musical voice

Staccato

• To be played strongly detached and short

• To be played connetedly and smoothly

• To be played strictly in time

• To be played lightly and delicately

Consonant

• Harmony which sounds musically pleasing

• Harmony which sounds unpleasant

Dissonant

• Harmony which sounds musically pleasing

• Harmony which sounds unpleasant