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Falsobordone (It. "false bass")

Method of IMPROVISING four-part HARMONY against a PSALM TONE in the TREBLE, resulting in a succession of mostly ROOT-position CHORDS. read more

falsordone (It. "false bass)

Method of IMPROVISING four-part HARMONY against a PSALM TONE in the TREBLE, resulting in a PSALM TONE in the TREBLE, resulting in a succession of mostly ROOT- position CHORDS. read more

fancy

Fancy for a solo instrument or ensemble. read more

fanfare

A ceremonial flourish for trumpets or other brass instruments. read more

fantasia (It. "fantasy")

Instrumental composition lacking a strict form, often IMPROVISATORY. Instrumental piece developing an abstract subject, often invented by the composer. See also FANCY. read more

fauxbourdon (Fr. "false bass")

Scheme for IMPROVISING a third part between a PLAINCHANT in the TREBLE and a lower voice. The outer voices form parallel sixths, while the middle voice is a fourth below the PLAINCHANT, though they start and end phrases with an octave mediated by a fifth. read more

fermata

The sign indicates that a note or rest should be prolonged; also pause. read more

figure, figuration

Melodic pattern, usually ORNAMENTAL, made of commonplace material such as SCALES, ARPEGGIOS, and turns, not distinctive enough to be considered a MOTIVE or THEME. read more

figured bass

A system of notating the harmonics in a CONTINUO part. read more

finale

The last movement of a work or the closing ensemble of an act of an opera. read more

flat

In notation, the sign (b) indicating that the pitch of note should be lowered by a semitone; also double flat. read more

florid

A term used to describe to describe a melody that is highly ornamented; also floritura. read more

folk music

Traditional music. read more

form

The organization or structure of a piece of music. read more

formes fixes (Fr. "fixed forms")

Schemes of poetic and musical repetition. read more

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