carpo's definitions

harpsichord

A stringed keyboard instrument used in the Baroque period.

JS Bach wrote many pieces for the Harpsichord.

by carpo August 22, 2004

symphony

A musical composition for orchestra in the form of a sonata.

Beethoven's 9th symphony is very famous.

by carpo August 22, 2004

clavier

A generic term for any keyboard instrument.

Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier was a set of 48 pieces for keyboard.

by carpo August 22, 2004

cembalo

Another name for a harpsichord.

Bach's Harpsichord Concertos are sometimes called Cembalo Concertos.

by carpo August 22, 2004

concerto

A musical composition in three movements, with two sets of instruments, one larger than the other. Typically a concerto has a solo instrument play with an orchestra.

Examples of concertos are Bach's Italian Concerto in F major (for Harpsichord) and Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor.

by carpo August 22, 2004

Elgar

Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was a composer of classical music. His most famous compositions include his Cello Concerto in E minor, and the six Pomp and Circumstance Marches (the first of which is played at most graduation ceremonies).

"They're going to play Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 at my graduation ceremony."

by carpo August 22, 2004

sonata

A form of classical music in four movements for one or two instruments. The movements are different yet related.

"Have you heard Bach's Violin Sonatas"?

by carpo August 22, 2004