Amy Beach

Chromatic scales using predominantly 16th note rhythms.

16th Note Chromatic Scales

Notes whose values are one sixth the value of a quarter note.

16th Note Triplets

An Italian term meaning "hastening"; an indication instructing the player to increase the speed gradually.

Accelerando

Ornamentations that are notated in a smaller size than normal notes and played slightly before them.

Grace Notes

A type of texture where one hand plays a series of notes that are mimicked in the other hand.

Imitation

More than key signature used in a single piece or movement.

Key Signature Changes

More than one time signature used in a single piece or movement.

Multiple Time Signatures

An ornament consisting of a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, either a semitone or whole tone apart.

Trills

Notes whose lengths are equal to one-sixteenth the value of a whole note or one quarter of a quarter note.

16th Notes

A type texture that occurs when the contour, distance, and speed of the notes in one hand matches that of the other hand as they play together.

Parallel Motion

The use of notes not in the prevailing mode or diatonic scale of a piece.

Chromaticism

A type of texture where the left hand plays the melody and the right hand plays the accompaniment for an extended period of time.

Left Hand Melody

A type of accompaniment pattern that primarily uses major and minor triads with simple or slow-moving rhythms.

Blocked Chord Accompaniment

Chords with alternate ordering of their tones where the root is placed either in the middle or at the top of the chord.

Chord Inversions

A series of blocked octaves that are played one hand at a time and where both notes move up or down in parallel motion.

Parallel Octaves

A blocked chord whose notes are played quickly in succession which gives the chord a harp-like sound.

Rolled Chords

Indications placed above or below notes instructing the player to hold those notes longer than their original notated length.

Fermatas

An indication instructing the player to play extremely softly; softer than pianissimo.

Pianississimo

A type of articulation indicating the player to play short and light; notes not held for their full value.

Staccato

Indications instructing the player to put special emphasis on notes.

Accents

An indication instructing the player to play very loudly; louder than forte.

Fortissimo

More than one tempo indication used in a single piece or movement.

Tempo Changes

A series of blocked octaves that are played one hand at a time and where both notes move up or down in parallel motion using predominantly 8th note rhythms.

From Blackbird Hills Op. 83

Amy Beach

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