What an ensemble is
- An ensemble is a group of performers. Its size has a name: duet (2), trio (3), quartet (4), quintet (5), sextet (6).
- Chamber music is for a small classical ensemble with one player to a part, such as a string quartet (two violins, viola and cello) or a piano trio (piano, violin and cello).
- Other ensembles: jazz and blues bands, musical theatre ensembles, rock bands, choirs and vocal groups.
Texture in ensembles
- Monophonic: one melody line with nothing else. Homophonic: a melody with chords underneath, or all parts moving together.
- Polyphonic (contrapuntal): two or more independent melodies at the same time. Imitation is when one part copies another a moment later.
- Heterophonic: several parts play slightly different versions of the same melody.
- Other textures: melody and accompaniment, unison (everyone on the same notes), octaves, call and response, and descant (a decorative higher part).
Roles in an ensemble
- Parts take different roles: the melody, the countermelody, the harmony, the bass line and the rhythm.
- In jazz, the rhythm section (piano, double bass, drums) supports soloists who take turns to improvise.
- Listen for which instrument has the tune, how the others support it, and how the texture changes from section to section.
Key terms
- Ensemble
- A group of performers.
- Chamber music
- Music for a small group with one player to a part.
- String quartet
- Two violins, viola and cello.
- Monophonic
- A single melody line with no accompaniment.
- Homophonic
- A melody with chords, or all parts moving together.
- Polyphonic
- Two or more independent melodies at once.
- Imitation
- One part copying another a moment later.
- Countermelody
- A second melody played against the main tune.
- Rhythm section
- The piano, bass and drums that support a band.
Quick questions on Music for ensemble
- What is a quartet?
- A group of four performers: A trio is three, a quintet five.
- Which instruments make up a string quartet?
- Two violins, viola and cello: The classic chamber group.
- What is chamber music?
- Music for a small group with one player to a part: Originally played in a room, or chamber.
- What is a monophonic texture?
- A single melody line with no accompaniment: Mono means one.
- What is a homophonic texture?
- A melody with chords, or all parts moving together: Hymns are homophonic.
- What is a polyphonic texture?
- Two or more independent melodies at once: Also called contrapuntal.
- What is imitation?
- One part copying another a moment later: Common in polyphonic music.
- What is a countermelody?
- A second melody played against the main tune: It adds interest to the texture.