Terraced Dynamics- Expressive style typical of some early music in which volume levels shift abruptly from soft to loud and back.
Basso continuo- A system of partially improvised accompaniment played on a bass line, usually on a keyboard instrument.
Fugue- A contrapuntal composition in which a short melody or phrase is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others and developed by interweaving the parts.
Opera- a dramatic work in one or more acts , set to music for singers and instruments.
Trio Sonata- A baroque composition written in three parts. Two upper parts and one bass, and usually preformed with a keyboard continuo.
Cantata- A medium-length narrative piece of music for voices with instrument accompaniment, typically with solos, chorus, and orchestra.
Counterpoint- The art or technique of setting, writing, or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixes rules.
Libretto- The text if an opera or other long vocal work
Baroque- A time period from the 17th and 18th centuries that is characterized by ornate detail.
Sonata Form- A type of composition in three sections. Exposition, Development, and recapitulation.
Cadenza- A virtuoso solo passage inserted into a movement in a concerto or other work, typically near the end.
Symphony- An elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements, at least one of which is traditionally in sonata form.
Aria- A long accompanied song for solo voice, typically one in an opera or oratorio
Recitative- Musical declamation of the kind usual in the narrative and dialogue parts of opera or oratorio.
String Quartet- A chamber music ensemble consisting of first and second violins, viola, and cello.
