AP Music Theory Performance Terms Part 1

The fastest of these tempo markings.  

A directive to perform the passage with all instruments together.  

A performer tastefully stretching, slowing, or hurrying the tempo as he/she sees fit.  

To louden gradually.  

A more sudden and extreme slowing of the tempo than a ritardando. 

A musical theme introduced by one voice and imitated by other voices in succession.  

A short melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern repeated in a composition.  

A large composition for orchestra, generally in three or four movements.  

A style of playing notes in a detached, separated, distinct manner.  

Moderately soft.  

A rapid alternation between one note and another note, either a step or half step away. 

Three notes in the space of two.  

The slowest of these tempo markings.  

A composition that shows off a specific instrument(s), accompanied by the orchestra. 

A drama set to music, usually sung throughout, originating in 17th century Italy. 

Performing the same note over and over very quickly, commonly on bowed string instruments.  

A directive to perform the passage in a light, swift, delicate manner.  

A directive to perform the note with particular emphasis.  

Accented, emphatic, stressed.  

A directive to the performer that the string is to be plucked with the fingers.