clavier

A generic term for any keyboard instrument.

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

by carpo August 23, 2004

cembalo

Another name for a harpsichord.

Bach's Harpsichord Concertos are sometimes called Cembalo Concertos.

by carpo August 23, 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 23, 2004

orchestra

An ensemble which plays clssical music. Instruments include the strings (violins, violas, cellos, double basses), the woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons), the brass (trumpets, trombones, tuba, french horns), the percussion (timpani, snare drum, bass drum, celesta, etc.).

Also called a 'Symphony Orchestra' or a 'Philharmonic Orchestra'.

"I play in my school's Symphony Orchestra."

by carpo August 23, 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 23, 2004

symphony

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

Beethoven's 9th symphony is very famous.

by carpo August 23, 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 23, 2004