| A | B |
|---|
| bridge | A transition section; the bridge often connects a verse to the chorus |
| chord | three or more pitches sounded simultaneously |
| counterpoint | Two or three melodic lines played at the same time, also known as polyphony |
| decrescendo | a gradual decrease in volume (dynamics) or intensity |
| dissonance | harsh, discordant, and lacking harmony; |
| dynamics | pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition |
| glissando | glide from one pitch to another |
| harmony | Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together |
| melody | progression of notes that is identifiable and concrete |
| rhythm | he element of music pertaining to time, played as a grouping of notes into accented and unaccented beats |
| staccato | short detached notes; opposite of legato |
| tempo | Speed of a composition |
| vibrato | creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes |
| minor | one of the two modes of the tonal system; identified by the dark, melancholic mood |
| major | one of the two modes of the tonal system; creates a positive affirming character (has a positive sound) |
| legato | notes that are strung together smoothly; opposite of staccato |
| melisma | several notes sung on one syllable as a decorative phrase or passage in vocal music |
| crescendo | a gradual increase in volume (dynamics) or intensity |
| ostinato | continually repeated musical phrase |
