Related Words

Allegro: A direction to play lively and fast.

Sonata-Allegro Form: The opening movement of the sonata cycle, consisting of themes that are stated in the first section (exposition), developed in the second section (development), and restated in the third sec . . . View Full Definition

Tempo: Rate of speed or pace of music. Tempo markings are traditionally given in Italian: common markings include grave (solemn: very, very slow): largo (broad: very slow): adagio (quite slow): and . . . View Full Definition

Theme Group: Several themes in the same key that function as a unit within a section of a form, particularly in sonata-allegro form.

Soccus: A soft shoe worn by actors in Latin comedies, in contrast with the buskins or kothorni worn in tragedies. Our modern English word sock comes from this term. Often, the word sock is used a me . . . View Full Definition

Fugato: A fugal passage in a nonfugal piece, such as in the development section of a sonata-allegro form.

French Overture: Baroque instrumental introduction to an opera, ballet or suite, in two sections: a slow opening followed by an allegro, often with a brief return to the opening.

Concerto Form: Structure commonly used in first movements of concertos that combines elements of Baroque ritornello procedure with sonata-allegro form. Also first-movement concerto form.

Development: Sometimes refers to the entire process in which a game is made. Sometimes used mainly in reference to the earlier process of researching the feasibility of a game, as opposed to the later ac . . . View Full Definition

Exposition: Opening section. In the fugue, the first section in which the voices enter in turn with the subject. In sonata-allegro form, the first section in which the major thematic material is stated. . . . View Full Definition