Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

Section 1: Focus on TEXTURE, TIMBRE and DYNAMICS

Across the four areas of study, these are the ‘must-know’ musical terms for TEXTURE,
TIMBRE (SONORITY) and DYNAMICS:

TEXTURE TIMBRE (SONORITY) DYNAMICS

Monophonic

Homophonic

Polyphonic Instruments, voices and groupings

2, 3 or 4 part textures Pianissimo

Unison Technology Piano

Chordal Mezzo piano

Imitation Performance techniques Mezzo forte

Layered Forte

Melody and accompaniment Articulation Fortissimo

Countermelody Crescendo

Descant [Refer to Appendix C in the spec] Diminuendo

Round Sforzando

Canon

Drone

Alberti Bass

Stab chords

Walking bass

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Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devices

1. You will hear some music by the composer J.S. Bach.

https://tinyurl.com/yausv5nu [from start to 1’10’’]

Answer the following questions.

I.

i. Identify the instrument performing this music. [1]

Violin

ii. To what orchestral family does this particular instrument belong? [1]

Strings

II. Underline the term below which correctly describes the texture of the music. [1]

Monophonic Homophonic Polyphonic

III. Tick (✔) two words in the box below which best describe the performance techniques used to play
this music. [2]

Performance techniques Tick

Arco ✓
Pizzicato
Syllabic
Legato ✓
Divisi

IV. Underline the word below which best describes this type of piece. [1]

Quartet Trio Duet Solo

V. Suggest a suitable dynamic for this piece. [1]

Mezzo forte

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

J.S. Bach was a very important composer who lived and worked in the Baroque era. Name two other
composers from the same era.
This piece is called a ‘Partita’. Find out what this means.
The word ‘Allemanda’ is written above the first line. Find out what this means.
Discuss with other members in class the phrasing of the melodic line in this extract of music.
The last chord is interesting. Why?
What is the tonality? The time signature?
Can you note any other interesting features or devices in the music?

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

2. The following extract is from the Andante movement of a concerto by the composer Mozart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df-eLzao63I [from 1’30’’ to 2’18’’]

I.

i. Name the solo instrument playing the melody. [1]

Piano

ii. Name the family of instruments accompanying the melody. [1]

Strings

II. The instruction ‘pizz’ is written on the original score for this extract.

i. State what the term ‘pizz’ is short for. [1]

Pizzicato

ii. Explain what is meant by the instruction ‘pizz’. [1]

Pluck the strings

III. Tick (✓) two musical terms that may be used to describe the musical texture in this extract. [2]

Musical terms Tick

Unison
Melody and accompaniment ✓
Round
Layered
Imitative
Homophonic ✓
Polyphonic

IV. Underline the type of ensemble you believe to be performing in this extract. [1]

String quartet Band Orchestra Rhythm section

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

V. Name the ornament heard at the end of the extract. [1]

Trill

VI. Suggest a dynamic for the opening of this extract. [1]

Piano / p

Remember:
• Try not to just guess the answer in a multiple choice question. Make sure that you know what all the
above terms mean.
For consideration: Do you know what a ‘CONCERTO’ is?
Write your answer below
.................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a child prodigy. He was one of the most important
composers from the Classical era in music. He wrote symphonies, concertos, chamber
music, piano sonatas, operas and music for the church.
Find out the names of some of his compositions.

• The opening melody on the piano is very tuneful. Consider the score below and see if you can
complete the missing notes of the melody. (The rhythm is given for you.)

GCSE Music | Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

Area of Study 2: Music for Ensemble

1. Listen to the following extract of a piece of music to be used in a musical theatre review entitled
‘Memories of England Past’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHlgzJjSwMo [from the start to 1’38”]
[N.B. Students must listen aurally to this extract, and NOT WATCH THE CLIP!]

This musical extract is divided into parts as shown below:

Part 1 [Intro]

Part 2
1. Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
2. Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
3. Remember me to one who lives there
4. She once was a true love of mine
Part 3 [Link]
Part 3
5. Ask her to make me a cambric shirt
6. Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
7. Without any seam or needle work
8. Then she’ll be a true love of mine

Listen carefully to the extract as you answer the following questions.

I. There are no accompanying instruments in this extract. Give the musical term for this. [1]

A cappella

II. Describe the style of singing in Part 1. [1]

Without words / Ooohs, Aaahs (or similar)

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

III. Tick (✓) which two musical features are heard in Part 1. [2]

Musical features Tick

Chords ✓
Scat
Pianissimo ✓
Crescendo
Glissando

Make sure you know the meanings of all these terms. Then, you can choose the answer with confidence.

IV. Suggest the correct dynamic of the music at the start of Part 2. [1]

Piano

V. One of the following statements is true. Tick (✓) the statement that you believe to be true. [1]

Statement Tick
The ensemble performing this music is a
male voice choir.
The ensemble performing this music is a
✓
mixed vocal ensemble.
The ensemble performing this music is a
male vocal quartet.

VI. Complete the following sentence with the appropriate term.

The lowest vocal part makes a particular contribution in Part 3. This is known as a [1]

Drone/Pedal note

VII. State the musical term which best describes the overall texture in this extract. [1]

Homophonic

* Describe how harmony is used in this musical arrangement to create the desired effect in performance.

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

* Now listen to the opening of another version of the song ‘Scarborough Fair’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BakWVXHSug
Compare the two versions referring to contrasts in instrumentation, voices, tempo and texture.
(Do not simply list what you hear.) This could be set as a longer answer question (individual work) for
homework.
Class or group discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy8Jz9DTdZs
Watch the clip to appreciate another version of this song. Discuss the opening part and build-up, and
describe how the musical elements have been used to achieve a contrasting style in performance.

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

2. Chamber Music.
Listen to this piece of music by J.S. Bach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fxorVN9tqg [from start to 0’33’’]

Now answer the following questions.

I. Underline the words below which describe this type of ensemble. [1]

Symphony Concerto Overture Trio Sonata

II.

i. Identify the keyboard instrument playing in this extract. [1]

Harpsichord

ii. Identify the woodwind instrument playing in this extract. [1]

Oboe

iii. Give the correct name used to describe the bass and keyboard parts in this type of music. [1]

Basso Continuo

III. Identify the type of texture heard in this musical extract. [1]

Polyphonic

IV. Tick (✔) two textural features heard in this extract. [2]

Textural features Tick

Drone
Imitation ✓
Chordal writing
Unison
3-part texture ✓

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

• In which musical era or period did Bach live and compose? What were the dates of this musical era?
• Name two other composers who lived and worked at the same time as Bach.
• Some other important musical features may be identified in this extract – such as sequence,
modulation, ornaments. Identify where these occur as you listen to the recording, and make sure
you understand what they mean.
• Can you work out the time signature and tonality of this music?

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

Area of Study 3: Film Music

1. This is a musical extract from the film ‘The Big Country’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQTH3a0mjR8 [from start to 0’50’’]

Listen to the extract carefully:

I. The musical extract for this question is in three sections. In the table below, there are suggestions for
the order of these sections. Tick (✔) which one you believe to be the correct order of the sections.
[1]

Suggestion Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Tick

Suggestion 1 Strong chords Layering of ideas Main theme
Suggestion 2 Main theme Strong chords Layering of ideas
Suggestion 3 Layering of ideas Strong chords Main theme ✓
Suggestion 4 Strong chords Main theme Layering of ideas
Suggestion 5 Layering of ideas Main theme Strong chords

II. Underline which ensemble you believe to be performing this music. [1]

Full orchestra Brass Band Windband String Orchestra

III. Suggest a suitable dynamic for each of the sections, along with the appropriate Italian term for each
suggestion (e.g. Section 1- quiet – piano). [6]

Section Dynamic Italian term

Section 1 ff fortissimo
Section 2 ff fortissimo
Section 3 mf mezzo-forte

IV. Give one word to describe the texture of Section 2. [1]

Homophonic

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V.

i. Name one untuned percussion instrument heard in this extract. [1]

Cymbal (also bass drum, side drum)

ii. Name one tuned percussion instrument in this extract. [1]

Glockenspiel

• This film theme is very famous. What type of film do you think it was?
• In a ‘longer answer’ response, explain two ways in which the composer achieved the mood and
atmosphere of action/excitement. (You can use some of the information from the answers above, but
also consider the use of melody, rhythm and harmony.)
These type of ‘longer’ responses are often worth more marks, so organise your ideas and observations
carefully and thoughtfully.

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

2. You will hear the opening theme from a film called ‘Chariots of Fire’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY3XiM7oGj0 [from start to 1’10’’]

Answer the following questions.

I. There are a number of different musical ideas presented in order to build up the texture before the
main theme of the film is introduced.

Complete the table below, suggesting the instruments/timbres you believe are used to portray the
musical ideas. [4]

Musical Ideas Instruments / Instrumental sounds

Repeated rhythmic pattern Synthesizer
Ascending interval of a 5th Horn sound
‘Tinkling’ effect Chimes / Mark tree
Steady percussive beat Drum kit / electronic drum beat / synth ‘claps

II. Tick (✓) one of the following statements that you believe is true. [1]

Statement Tick
The type of texture at the start of the extract is known as Imitation.
The type of texture at the start of the extract is known as an Alberti Bass
The type of texture at the start of the extract is known as a Canon.
The type of texture at the start of the extract is known as Layering. ✓

III.

i. The opening starts very quietly. Give the correct Italian term for ‘very soft’. [1]

Pianissimo

ii. As the music progresses, it gets louder. Underline the musical term below which correctly
describes this. [1]

Sforzando Diminuendo Ritardando Crescendo

IV. Name the instrument which plays the main theme. [1]

(Acoustic) piano

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Some ‘longer answer’ questions:

• Describe ways in which the composer uses dynamics and texture in this piece to create effect.
• This type of music has been described as ‘electronic’. Discuss how the composer may have
technology to create this music.

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

Area of study 4: Popular Music

1. Listen to the following extract from a song called – ‘Son of a Preacher Man’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjydOI4MEIw [from start to 0’55’’]

You should play it three times while considering the questions below. Here are the words:

(Instrumental intro)
1. Billy Ray was a preacher’s son
2. And when his daddy would visit he’d come along
3. When they gathered around and started talkin’
4. That’s when Billy would take me walkin’
5. Out through the back yard we’d go walkin’
6. Then he’d look into my eyes
7. Lord knows, to my surprise
8. The only one who could ever reach me
9. Was the son of a preacher man
10. The only boy who could ever teach me
11. Was the son of a preacher man
12. Yes, he was, he was, ooh, yes, he was
(short instrumental link)

I. Name two of the instruments heard in the introduction. [2]

1. Guitar
2. Drum kit

II. Underline which type of voice performs the song. [1]

Soprano Alto Tenor Bass

III. Give a musical term which describes the texture in lines 1 – 4. [1]

Homophonic / Melody + accompaniment

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

IV. More instruments join in at the end of line 4. [2]

i. Underline the words below which best describe the instruments in this musical style.

Rhythm section Wind trio Horn section

ii. Underline the words which best describe what they are playing.

Sustained chords Stab chords Staccato chords

V. Tick (✓) which three of the following statements you believe to be true. [3]

Statement Tick
In lines 8-12, further musical interest is added through use of an
Alberti Bass.
In lines 8-12, further musical interest is added through use of
unison singing.
In lines 8-12, further musical interest is added through use of
✓
backing vocals.
In lines 8-12, further musical interest is added through layering the
✓
texture.
In lines 8-12, further musical interest is added through the use of
sequence.
In lines 8-12, further musical interest is added through the use of
✓
imitation.

DISCUSS:
• How would you describe the tempo of this piece?
• State the time signature.
• How would you describe the tonality of this piece?
• What style of music do you believe this to be?

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2. You will hear another musical extract, the opening of a song by Robbie Williams called ‘Millennium’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUFxa22UWdM [from start to 0’46’’]

The lyrics for the extract are:

(Short introduction)
1. We’ve got stars directing our fate
2. And we’re praying it’s not too late
3. Millennium
4. Some say that we are players
5. Some say that we are pawns
6. But we’ve been making money
7. Since the day that we were born
8. Got to slow down
9. ‘Cause we’re low down

Answer the following questions on the texture and instrumentation.

I. Identify the opening musical sound and what it does in the next question. [3]

i. Name the instrument.

Cymbal

ii. Identify the performance technique used.

Roll

iii. Give the term which describes the dynamic change in this sound.

Crescendo

II.

i. Name the orchestral instruments used in the introduction. [2]

Violins

ii. Underline the other layer of timbre/sonority in the introduction.

Brass Vocals Flutes

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 Texture, Timbre and Dynamics

III. Tick (✔) two textural terms which may be used to describe this opening. [2]

Textures Tick
Monophonic
Canon
Layered ✓
Countermelodies ✓
Unison

IV. Give the main difference between the vocals in lines 1-3, compared with the vocals in lines 4-9.
[2]

Line 1- 3 = backing singers; line 4 onwards, male soloist

V. Explain how the vocals are heard against the rock instrumental backing. [1]

Mics / amplification

VI. Complete the following sentences with the correct musical information. [2]

i. The main instrument heard at 45 seconds into the extract is the:

Drum kit

ii. The main instrument performing at 45 seconds into the extract is playing a:

Fill

• Remember to consider all definitions offered before selecting your answer.

• Make a note of any terms that you are unsure of and find out what they mean. Play around with
musical ideas on a keyboard (or another instrument) to help with your understanding of all melodic
terms. If you know what they are, you will be able to recognise them in the exam.
• Sometimes an exam question will require a more extended answer. A good deal of information has
been covered in the above question. Use this to write a longer paragraph to describe the use of
texture, dynamics and instrumentation in the given extract.

GCSE Music | Texture, Timbre and Dynamics