Music Theory Set Theory Quiz

Music Theory Concepts

• Pitch Class (pc): Represents all pitches that are one octave or more apart, including enharmonic equivalents (e.g., C4, C6, B#).

• Collection: A group of pitch classes that serves as a foundation for musical materials in a composition.

• Centric Pitch: A pitch that establishes a stable center, with other pitches hierarchically related to it.

• Set: Synonymous with collection; refers to a group of pitches or pitch classes.

• Elements: The individual pitches that comprise a set.

• Subset: A section of music that emphasizes only some of the pitch classes.

• Atonal Music: Music without a tonic or tonal hierarchy; also referred to as nontonal or post-tonal.

• Pantonal: Term preferred by Schönberg over atonal, indicating the inclusion of all tonalities.

• Center: A pervasive pitch or pc in a work that establishes a sense of hierarchy.

• Focal Pitches: Pitches highlighted through repetition or motivic use, lacking a functional hierarchy.

Cardinality of Pitches

• Cardinality: Describes the number of elements in a group of pitches using specific terminology.

• Dyad: A set of 2 elements (interval).

• Tetrachord: A set of 4 elements.

• Hexachord: A collection containing 6 elements.

• Octachord/Octad: Refers to a group of 8 elements.

• Trichord: A set composed of 3 elements.

• Pentachord: A group of 5 elements.

• Heptachord/Heptad: Consists of 7 elements.

• Nonachord/Nonad: Contains 9 elements.

Modal and Composite Structures

• Mixed Modes: Combining portions of different diatonic modes (e.g., Lydian-Mixolydian mode).

• Bimodal/Polymodal: Refers to the combination of modes simultaneously, such as one in each hand of a performance.

• Minor Pentatonic Scale: Characterized by intervals 1-b3-4-5-b7.

• Major Pentatonic Scale: Comprises intervals 1-2-3-5-6.

• Literal Complements: Utilizing pentatonic scales of "black notes" with C major scale "white notes."

Analytical Techniques

• Integer Notation: Transforms pitch classes to numerical values starting with C as pitch 0.

• Symmetrical Sets: Scales or sets that are palindromic, such as the Dorian mode and Octatonic scales.

• Octatonic Scales: Composed of 8 pitch classes alternating between whole and half steps.

• Pitch-Class Interval: Represents all generic transposition intervals using a single integer.

• Interval Class: An examination of various intervals within a specific set in a composition.

• Interval-Class Vector (ic vector): A list detailing all different intervals found within a set or chord, recording the total per class.

• Equivalent Sets: Sets generated through transposition or inversion are classified as equivalent.

Test your knowledge of music theory concepts with this set theory quiz. Each flashcard covers important terms such as pitch class, collection, and centric pitch. Perfect for musicians and students looking to deepen their understanding of musical materials.