A family of instruments that produce their sound by means of striking usually with the hand, stick, or mallet creating a musically useful timbre.

A stress placed on the first beat of the grouping within a measure, singling out and making it more recognizable.

A set of pitches that have certain interval relationships.

The pitch upon which most of the syllables of a chant are sung, generally located above the final.

A famous program symphony by Hector Berlioz.

In opera, a piece for solo voice and orchestra accompaniment that reflects on the actions within a dramatic scene that requires emotional comment. The opportunity within an opera for the beautiful reflective song.

(1685-1750) a composer and organist of the the highest order active in the Baroque period; this is perhaps the greatest composer of polyphony in Western music. His most famous works include the Mass in B minor, St. Matthew Passion, The Well-tempered Clavier, and The Art of Fugue.

Drama presented in music combining theater, music and story.

The group of players includes trumpet, saxophone, piano, bass, and drums and was the most popular combination for Bebop.

This style of music emerged in the 1980s and replaced most rock and roll. The style was aided by the emergence of music videos that enhanced the musical performances. The most successful figure was Michael Jackson.