Born: March 6, 1872, MoscowDied: August 21, 1940, Vevey (age 68)
glossary
adagio [It]—slow tempo, often implying a lyrical, poignant character
alla [I], all', à la [F]—to the, in the manner of
allegro [I]—fast, lively tempo. From the Italian word for cheerful or gay.
chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L]—"Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. explore
counterpoint, contrapuntal, contrapunctus [L], contrapuncti [pl], contrapunto [I]—A movement in a contrapuntal style, esp./specifically a fugue or canon and/or a general musical aspect. A complex notion and a deep subject, counterpoint generally refers to a musical texture comprising multiple, independent polyphonic melody lines (e.g. parts/voices/instruments) each moving horizontally, and the phenomenon of "point against point" combination into an ever-changing vertical blend. Contrapuntal music is conceived (and best heard) as a fabric of independent threads rather than a series of unified blocks such as "simple" melody and accompaniment or a series of harmonies. Chamber music, almost by definition, tends to be inherently contrapuntal and, in its best examples, supremely contrapuntal, among of its chief distinguishing traits.
finale [I], final [F]—The final movement, sometimes explicitly titled thus
ma—but, however
molto [It]—very much
scherzo—lively, brisk, typically in a triple meter; usually a three-part form with central, contrasting trio
string trio, Streichtrio [G], Trio d'archi [I], Trio à cordes [F], Trío de cuerdas [S]
—a work for three stringed instruments, most commonly violin, viola and cello. A more rarefied form than the string quartet perhaps because the texture is sparse (each instrument highly exposed) and the means more difficult for natural harmonic richness. But these become challenges and assets in the great trios. Trios almost always emphasize countrapuntal writing with each of the three players in strong relief.
troppo [I], non troppo, trop [F]—too, too much. non troppo means "not too much". e.g. "Allegro ma non troppo" means fast, but not too much