Figural music definition. Definition, Usage and a list of Sound Devices Examples.
Figural music definition. It also speeds up the learning process. by quicker notes in the other parts. Musical variation, basic music technique consisting of changing the music melodically, harmonically, or contrapuntally. ” 1 For us in the study of musical rhetoric, the last part is often the most useful area of study where the aim is to understand the effective use of figures in Improving the use of figures of speech involves developing a strong grasp of different types of figures of speech and their appropriate usage. It is called a “thorough” bass or “continuous” bass line because it includes the lowest sounding note at any given moment, regardless of the instrument or Figuralmusik. Learn the translation for ‘figural’ in LEO’s English ⇔ German dictionary. ); figurato (It. ). Music history deals with the development of music over the course of time, its revolutionary changes and its influence on society. – all have different rules for how to notate a piece of music and all of the performance markings and articulations that go with it. adj. The most obvious difference between the two is the lack Understanding the musical form of a piece is an important part of being a musician. May 18, 2024 · These musical gestures function as rhetorical figures, using sound to communicate complex emotional and narrative content to listeners. This system plays a crucial role in understanding Baroque music’s harmonic structure and performance practice. Mar 7, 2025 · What is figurative language? Discover its definition, common figurative language examples, and metaphors. Learn about the history of music and about theories of musical meaning since the 19th century. However, it is also found in pieces for other instruments. from The Century Dictionary. Chromatic tones in Western art music are the notes in a composition that are outside the seven-note diatonic (i. Christian liturgical music developed from the musical practices of the Jewish synagogues. "The . By intentionally manipulating words and phrases, figures of speech create richer and more impactful We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. A discussion of the writings in music theory will follow, substantiating the influence of rhetoric upon French musicians Characteristics of a musical figure The musical figures indicate the duration of the sound. fig′ur·al·ly adv. Jan 17, 2025 · figural (comparative more figural, superlative most figural) Representing by means of a figure; emblematic. From: figural in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music » (Eng. in which the various melodic strands move more or less independently, shorter notes in one v. Oct 25, 2018 · The above simplified explanation of the role of rhetorical figures in France will be augmented somewhat in the following paragraphs by a general discussion of rhetoric in French society, in which a link between the language of the theater and that of music will be drawn. The 1964 Grove's Dictionary defines the figure as "the exact counterpart of the German 'motiv' and the French ' motif '": it produces a "single complete and distinct impression". , major and minor) scales and modes. Figured bass, also known as “basso continuo” or simply “continuo,” is a musical notation system that flourished during the Baroque era (approximately 1600-1750). The repeated pattern could be a melody, a figure in the bass – called a basso ostinato or simply a repeated rhythmic idea. It is sometimes distinguished as Western classical music, as the term "classical music" can also be applied to non-Western art musics. Basso continuo, Ger. More important historically than these compositional devices was the tendency of these composers (especially Johann Stamitz) to articulate the various components of the symphonic form to a Find prices for NUT CRACKER FIGURES to help when appraising. Figures of speech are traditionally classified Jun 13, 2025 · What Is Figurative Language? Figurative language are words or phrases that help readers engage with, visualize, and understand your writing. ); figural, figuriert (Ger. See examples of FIGURAL used in a sentence. List of dissertations / theses on the topic 'Figural music'. figural music translation in English - English Reverso dictionary, see also 'figurately, figurant, figurate, figure', examples, definition, conjugation Translation German noun Figuralmusik: figural music for many languages with translations and meanings in the translation dictionary. Source for information on Figuralmusik: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music dictionary. The term has 2 meanings: (1) Contrapuntal mus. By proceeding to successive divisions of this Apr 26, 2024 · Figures of Speech: Definition Figures of speech are expressive language devices used to add color, depth, and creativity to our communication. the word implies coloratura. May 7, 2021 · The basic figures The rhythm figures represent the notes duration. First is the round, represented by a round note. Meaning of music. Here is a comprehensive list of the most common musical forms Strophic (AAA) The Encyclopédie de la Pléiade defines a motif as a "melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic cell ", whereas the 1958 Encyclopédie Fasquelle maintains that it may contain one or more cells, though it remains the smallest analyzable element or phrase within a subject. Explore quizzes and practice tests created by teachers and students or create one from your course material. Learn about the history and evolution of Christian liturgical music. This concept plays a vital role in conveying narrative, identity, and symbolism, especially in sculpture, where the physical presence and posture of the figures can communicate deeper meanings and stories. quotations Examples of how to use “figural” in a sentence from Cambridge Dictionary. How to use figural in a sentence. The simplest variation type is the variation set. , as distinct from the more sober type (such decorated plainsong is also known (1) A ‘figured chorale’, is one in which the melody is acc. Of, consisting of, or forming a pictorial composition of human or animal figures. In music, the term “melodic figure” refers to the smaller groups, gestures, or patterns that make up a melody. In first inversion, the chord’s root is not in the May 22, 2025 · In music notation, we use symbols to represent the duration of a sound, called rhythmic figures. Related research topic ideas. Other articles where Mannheim rocket is discussed: Mannheim school: …melodic figures (the famous “Mannheim rocket”), were particularly cultivated in the symphonic works of the Mannheim composers. com Recent studies in musicology have delved into the rhetorical nature of music, exploring how composers use musical figures to engage listeners and convey meaning. Why? Not only because it makes your writing sound nice, but also because it can play a major role in the effectiveness of Feb 13, 2024 · Music can be written down or notated in many ways. Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. Characteristics of a musical figure The musical figures indicate the duration of the sound. [1][2] In the distinction between literal and figurative language, figures of speech constitute the latter. In music, same as figurate, 3. Figural definition: consisting of figures, especially human or animal figures. adjective Of, consisting of, or forming a pictorial composition of human or animal figures. any written symbol other than a letter, esp a whole number 2. A discussion of the writings in music theory will follow, substantiating the influence of rhetoric upon French musicians Here are the three different ways people usually talk about figurative language: Dictionary definition of figurative language: According to the dictionary, figurative language is simply any language that contains or uses figures of speech. Jul 16, 2025 · Learn about figurative language, its types, and impact. 2. [5] It is commonly regarded as the shortest subdivision of a theme or phrase that still maintains its identity as a musical idea. Perhaps the intent was "figuration," as for example in a figuration prelude. Scholarly publications with full text pdf download. They go beyond the literal meaning of words and phrases, employing stylistic and imaginative techniques to convey ideas more vividly and engagingly. Quiz yourself with questions and answers for Music Theory IV Theme and Variations Test, so you can be ready for test day. The most used figures are seven and they are called graphic elements of music in the following way: round, white, black, eighth note, semiquaver, fusa and semifusa. The concept of inversion also plays an important role in musical set theory. Key figures refer to influential individuals who played a significant role in shaping the cultural, social, and political landscape of a particular society. an amount. Figurative language (fih-gyur-EH-tiv LANE-gwidge) refers to words, phrases, and sentences that go beyond their literal meaning to add layers of interpretation to the audience’s understanding. against longer in others—as distinct from mere ‘note against note’ counterpoint; (2) Decorated melody in plainsong, etc. How to use figurative in a sentence. Oct 25, 2018 · Musical-rhetorical figures involving a counterpoint between two or more voices, therefore, do not occur with any great frequency but one such figure derived from classical rhetoric and referred to by music theorists as the "hyperbole" should be mentioned here. , they are accented). For this they appeal to the color and shape of the head, to the inclusion or not of the stem and the presence or absence of brackets. A figure of speech or rhetorical figure is a word or phrase that intentionally deviates from straightforward language use or literal meaning to produce a rhetorical or intensified effect (emotionally, aesthetically, intellectually, etc. In ancient Egypt, for example, artists depicted figures in a realistic manner to convey stories and beliefs. Bach and the Pedal Clavichord - February 2004Musica Poetica Originating in Martin Luther’s concept that music was as powerful a tool for preaching the Gospel as the spoken word, an entire philosophy of constructing music based on the terminology of spoken rhetoric was developed in Germany in the seventeenth century known as musica poetica. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Oct 17, 2025 · History of Figuration in Art Figurative art has a long history that dates back to ancient civilizations. figural synonyms, figural pronunciation, figural translation, English dictionary definition of figural. Any group of notes that forms a smaller gesture within a melody, akin to a clause or phrase within a sentence. What is Modernism? Modernism is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and a desire to experiment with new ideas and techniques. In music, ornaments or musical flourishes of the good are musical flourishes—typically, added notes—that are not essential to carry a overall line of the melody (or harmony), but serve instead to decorate or "ornament" that line (or harmony), provide added interest and variety, and give the performer the opportunity to add expressiveness to Beats, by definition, occur at periodic intervals; in a musical score, the beat is notated. [2] In each of these cases, "inversion" has a distinct but related meaning. . Definition of music in the Definitions. Figural definition: Of, consisting of, or forming a pictorial composition of human or animal figures. We’ll explore what it is, how to read and write it In music, hocket is a rhythmic and linear technique involving the alternation of notes, pitches, or chords. Oct 17, 2025 · Figural art is a form of art that focuses on the representation of the human figure. At first this discipline was most closely associated figural music translation in English - French Reverso dictionary, see also 'figure',frugal',figurative',figurehead', examples, definition, conjugation WordSense Dictionary: figural - spelling, hyphenation, synonyms, translations, meanings & definitions. The meaning of FIGURAL is figurative. Chromaticism, (from Greek chroma, “colour”) in music, the use of notes foreign to the mode or diatonic scale upon which a composition is based. Define figural. me•lo•dic fig•ure (mĕ-lŏdʼĭk fĭgʼyǝr) n. Whether you’re a pianist or just curious about music, understanding the musical form helps with understanding the structure of a piece. It may have melodic pitch, harmonic progression and rhythmic (duration). An ostinato may be played for an entire piece of music or figural Represented by figure or delineation; consisting of figures. Research the worth of your items without sending photos or descriptions 30 meanings: 1. Every writer should familiarize themselves with figurative language. In a broader sense Expressionism is one of the main currents of art, literature, music, theater, and film in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Different countries and different eras – Classical, Romantic, Baroque, etc. → another name for digit (sense 2) 3. A standard definition of a musical score is ‘a copy of a composition on a set of staves braced and barred together’ (Oxford Classical Dictionary) or staves ‘that are vertically aligned so as to represent visually the musical coordination’ (Grove Concise Dictionary of Music). In the context of the development of American culture, these figures helped define values, beliefs, and artistic expressions that would become foundational to the national identity, highlighting the interplay between different cultural Definition, Usage and a list of Sound Devices Examples. In music theory, an inversion is a rearrangement of the top-to-bottom elements in an interval, a chord, a melody, or a group of contrapuntal lines of music. A musical figure or figuration is the shortest idea in music; a short succession of notes, often recurring. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Sectional Variation- definition, Continuous Variation- definition, Sectional Variation- basis for variation and more. Liturgical music, music written for performance in a religious rite of worship. There are seven rhythmic figures, each with a corresponding rest symbol. It represents a foundational element of Western music theory, bridging the gap between composition and Definition The 6/5 figure indicates a first inversion of a seventh chord, where the third of the chord is the bass note, and the fifth is the next note above it. " [6] Alberti bass is usually found in the left hand of pieces for keyboard instruments, especially for Mozart 's piano pieces. These artists have entertained and inspired, challenged, and shaped the world of music, leaving Sep 17, 2025 · Musical notation, visual record of heard or imagined musical sound, or a set of visual instructions for performance of music. The meaning of FIGURATIVE is representing by a figure or resemblance : emblematic. Musical figures Each musical figure has its respective silence that represents its same value or duration. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Oct 19, 2025 · History of Figurative Symbolism in Art The use of figurative symbolism in art dates back to ancient times, with examples found in the art of civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. (2) In solo vocal mus. What does figural mean? Information and translations of figural in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Instead of relying solely on the dictionary definition of words, figurative language adds nuance, context, imagery, association, and other heightened effects to written or spoken phrasing. Meaning of figural. Discover similes, metaphors, and more, with examples to enhance your writing and deepen emotional connections. The Greeks and Romans also valued figurative art, using it to portray mythological scenes and historical events. , the composer supplied all the notes which were to be played or sung. There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word figural, two of which are labelled obsolete. Examples of how to use “figural” in a sentence from Cambridge Dictionary. These early artists used symbols to represent gods, myths, and cultural beliefs, often incorporating them into their sculptures, paintings, and architecture. net dictionary. Feb 13, 2024 · Music can be written down or notated in many ways. Figures play a most important part in instrumental music, in which it is necessary that a strong and definite impression should be produced to answer the purpose of words, and convey the sense of vitality to the otherwise incoherent succession of sounds. Deriving from the past participle of the Italian verb sonare, “to sound,” Dec 2, 2014 · It is defined in the New Oxford American Dictionary as “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, esp. Definition: Figuralmusik refers to music that is structured or composed in a way that draws connections to visual artistry or depicts figures or themes, often narrative in nature. During the Renaissance period, figurative art reached new heights Dec 2, 2014 · It is defined in the New Oxford American Dictionary as “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, esp. terms of service privacy policy. Florid. figural In music, same as figurate, 3. The term is most commonly associated with the Christian tradition. With noun/verb tables for the different cases and tenses links to audio pronunciation and relevant forum discussions free vocabulary trainer A figure of speech or rhetorical figure is a word or phrase that intentionally deviates from straightforward language use or literal meaning to produce a rhetorical or intensified effect (emotionally, aesthetically, intellectually, etc. the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. This duration is not absolute, that is to say that it does not represent a fixed and immutable value. In this form of composition, two or more sections are based on the same musical material, which is treated with different A musicalfigure or figuration is the shortest idea in music; a short succession of notes, often recurring. During the Renaissance period Five Essays on Islamic Art Aniconism and Figural Representation in Islamic Art by Terry Allen (back to: Palm Tree Books Home Page) (back to: description of ) If Islamic art is an outgrowth of Late Antique art that does not mean that Islamic art is only late Late Antique art, or even that most of Late Antique art survives in Islamic art. This definition would mean that figurative language includes the use of both tropes and schemes. The most obvious difference between the two is the lack The Encyclopédie de la Pléiade defines a motif as a "melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic cell ", whereas the 1958 Encyclopédie Fasquelle maintains that it may contain one or more cells, though it remains the smallest analyzable element or phrase within a subject. See musica figurata. It may have melodic pitch, harmonic progression, and rhythmic meter. Five Essays on Islamic Art Aniconism and Figural Representation in Islamic Art by Terry Allen (back to: Palm Tree Books Home Page) (back to: description of ) If Islamic art is an outgrowth of Late Antique art that does not mean that Islamic art is only late Late Antique art, or even that most of Late Antique art survives in Islamic art. Fractions of the whole note (1) The whole note (notated ) is the base note that serves as a reference. However, what is meant by a perceived beat in the preceding example is a series of approximately periodic time points in music that stand out in some way to the listener (i. Click for more definitions. It encompassed a wide range of artistic and intellectual pursuits, including literature, art, music, architecture, and philosophy. Figural representation refers to the artistic depiction of human figures or forms in visual art. Learn how similes and more enhance meaning in writing. 1. The structure is built upon a musical idea called the theme which is played at the start of the piece. What does music mean? Information and translations of music in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Figures of speech are traditionally classified Introduction to thoroughbass A thoroughbass (It. Steady bass patterns in orchestral music which give the rhythmic drive to Classical music, compensating for the energetic drive of the Baroque basso continuo line. In this post, we’ll look at one specific notation style called Figured Bass. Nov 7, 2019 · I assume, that meaning 5 of figure is intended, as defind here: A short succession of notes producing a single impression; a brief melodic or rhythmic formula out of which longer passages are developed. On Free online music dictionary featuring over 1,000 terms from the world of music. It can apply to five different situations. Aug 22, 2019 · In this sense, the Musical Academy currently recognizes seven musical figures, which are classified according to the time each of them. Sound devices are literary elements used in prose and poetry to stress certain sounds and create musical effects. Represented by figure or delineation; consisting of figures. Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary Interesting fact Oct 18, 2023 · In conclusion, these iconic figures in music history have left an indelible Mark on the w orld of music and culture. Sonata, type of musical composition, usually for a solo instrument or a small instrumental ensemble, that typically consists of two to four movements, or sections, each in a related key but with a unique musical character. This specific notation helps in identifying how to voice chords within harmonic progressions, particularly for seventh chords, making it easier to create smoother voice leading. The 1964 Grove's Dictionary defines the figure as "the exact counterpart of the German 'motiv' and the French 'motif '": it produces a "single complete and distinct impression". Tailored for music students, music teachers, and musicians. Generalbaß, also called a figured bass) is a harmonic shorthand of a musical passage or work. It can include sculptures, paintings, drawings, and other visual A musical figure is the shortest idea in music, a short succession of notes, often recurring. e. Instant price guides to discover the market value for NUT CRACKER FIGURES. Sep 22, 2025 · Music, art concerned with combining vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty of form or emotional expression, usually according to cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and, in most Western music, harmony. Image Courtesy: study. Their contributions, whether through groundbreaking compositions, powerful vocals, social activism, or boundary-pushing style, continue to resonate with audiences of all generations. In medieval practice, a single melody is shared between two (or occasionally more) voices such that one voice sounds while the other rests, creating a staggered, interlocking texture. A short melodic pattern with a recognizable rhythm and profile Definition of figural in the Definitions. Modernism rejected the conventions of the past Classical music generally refers to the art music of the Western world, considered to be distinct from Western folk music or popular music traditions. consisting of or forming human or animal figures May 18, 2024 · These musical gestures function as rhetorical figures, using sound to communicate complex emotional and narrative content to listeners. It is composed of a bass line, and chord symbols—called figures. "The Theme and variations is a very common musical structure you will come across, especially in classical music. Reading widely, exploring various literary works, and studying examples of figures of speech can enhance your understanding and help you recognize their applications in different contexts. Oct 18, 2025 · I. It depends on the beat value and the tempo, hence the work being interpreted. [2] To the self-taught Roger Scruton, [3 Ostinato Music Definition Ostinato (plural – ostinati or ostinatos) is an Italian word meaning obstinate or persistent and is used in music to describe a musical phrase or rhythm that is repeated persistently. ); figuré (‘Fr. If the musical figure is located on a staff that already has the key established, the figure also allows you to indicate the height sound. Expressionism, artistic style in which the artist seeks to depict not objective reality but rather the subjective emotions and responses. Jun 1, 2017 · The list of musical figures includes those embellishments which were ‘written out in full,’ i. Did you know? Learn about figurative language, what it is, how to use it, and lots of examples to inspire your everyday speech and descriptive writing. They do this by transcending the literal definition of words. ua uj bq3yx dst57jt pfmvx p68le3x nleh wmxf 3yk9o ghll