Fundamentals of Music Theory and Historical Instruments
Simple and Compound Time Signatures
In simple time signatures, the numerator (the number of beats) is 2, 3, or 4 if the meter is binary, ternary, or quaternary, respectively. In compound time signatures, the numerator is 6, 9, or 12 if the meter is binary, ternary, or quaternary.
Syncopation and Anacrusis (Upbeat)
A *syncope* (syncopation) occurs when a note begins on a weak beat or off-beat and is sustained across the following strong beat. When a note does not match the pulse and is preceded by a silence, this is called an *anacrusis* (or upbeat).
Chamber Ensembles
A chamber group is formed when between two and fifteen instrumentalists gather to play a musical form.
Duets and Trios
A duet usually consists of a piano and a solo instrument (a wind or string instrument). The trio is most characteristic of string compositions. The standard piano trio components are a piano, a cello, and a violin.
Quartets and Quintets
Various combinations of instruments can form quartets and quintets. The favorite of many composers is the string quartet, consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello. The string quintet is typically composed of two violins, a viola, and two cellos.
Larger Chamber Formations
Other formations range from the sextet to the nonet, depending on the number of instruments involved.
Composer Spotlight: Luigi Boccherini (18th Century)
Luigi Boccherini was an Italian composer and cellist of the 18th century. Much of his life was spent serving the Spanish court in Madrid. There he wrote his best works, among which stands out the Quintet Music Night in Madrid. During the last years of his life, forced by financial difficulties, he made adaptations of his works for guitar to attract public attention. However, he died in poverty.
The Minuet
The name *minuet* comes from the French word *menu* (‘small’ or ‘delicate’) because it is a dance of French origin performed with small steps.
Musical Texture and Its Characteristics
Musical texture is the combination of different voices and melodies with harmony. The main texture features are:
Homophony
The elements of composition, arrangements, and rhythmic figurations of homophonic texture occur more or less simultaneously.
Contrapuntal Texture (Polyphony)
This texture gives more independence to the various rhythmic and melodic musical elements. It involves the dialogue and superposition of different melodies.
Melody-Bass Polarity (Basso Continuo)
This texture is typical of the Baroque (17th century) and the mid-18th century. The bass line, executed by a bass instrument, forms a central part, usually played by an instrument that provides the harmony, melody, and pitch.
Accompanied Melody
This texture is characteristic of Classical (18th century) and Romantic (19th century) works. The melody emerges as the main protagonist, supported by harmonic chords.
The Traverso (Transverse Flute)
The *traverso* is a woodwind instrument played in medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque times. It later evolved into the modern flute, and eventually was made of metal to produce a more powerful sound.
The Pipe Organ
The organ is a wind instrument whose origin dates back to the 3rd century BC. Since then, it has evolved and been refined. It has always been closely linked with religious music.
The Harpsichord (Clavicembalo)
The harpsichord is a string instrument of great importance between the 16th and 17th centuries, used as a solo instrument or for continuo. It had a slight resurgence in the 20th century.