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Scan 109
A dictionary of musical terms, 1889
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1notes, 1 signifying a semibreve, 2 a minim, 4 a crotchet, 8 a quaver, and so on, each figure showing the relative proportionate value to the semibreve which is now reckoned as the time-standard. The sign (C) is called the sign of alla cappella time, and is usually followed by four minims in a bar, played or sung in slow time; the sign (C) is called the sign of alla breve time, and has also four or eight minims in a bar played or sung in a shorter time, as its title implies. The use of words directing the pace in which pieces of music are intended to be taken, has created a certain amount of confusion in the use and meaning of all the time signs descriptive of form in a bar [Expression, Time]. Compound common-time is expressed by the signs 6, 8, 12, such signs meaning two or four beats of three crotchets or quavers to each beat.
3In mediæval music a circle O was used to indicate what was called perfect time (tempus perfectum), a portion of the circle being omitted C showed that the time was imperfect, a line through the latter sign C meant a more rapid pace than that required when the C alone was used. When these signs were reversed they implied that the music was to be taken faster than if they were in their ordinary places. Thus the degree of rapidity would be shown by the time signs arranged as follows: O C O C C
5Comodamente (It.) Lit. in a convenient manner. Easily, quietly.
7Comodo (It.) Easily, at will, without haste.
9Compagnia del gonfalone (It.) An ancient society of mystery or miracle play actors established at Rome, in 1264, who illustrated their dramatic performances of sacred subjects with music. They took their name from the banner (gonfalone) which they bore. Their performances are supposed by some writers to have suggested the Oratorio.
11Company of Musicians. The Musicians' Company of the City of London was established by letters patent under the great seal of England, on April 24, in the ninth year of the reign of Edward IV. (1472-3). The company was instituted as a perpetual Guild, or Fraternity and Sisterhood of Minstrels—a minstrel being a musician qualified to sing or play in public. A new charter was granted by James I., on July 8, 1604. The Musicians' is the only city company for the exercise of a profession.
13Compass. The whole range of sounds capable of being produced by a voice or instrument.
15Compiacevole (It.) Pleasant, agreeable, charming.
17Complement. The interval which must be added to any other interval, so that the whole shall be equal to an octave; e.g., the complement of a 3rd is a 6th; that of a 4th, a 5th; of a 5th, a 4th; and so on. It will be seen that the intervals are always considered as overlapping.
19Compline (from the Lat. completorium). The short evening service which completes the day-hours.
21Composer. (1) An author of music. One who "finds out musical tunes." (2) An inventor and arranger of a series of changes in bell ringing.
23Composition. (1) A piece of music, for voices or instruments, or a combination of both effects, constructed according to the rules of art. (2) The art of composing music, guided by scientific rules. (3) In an organ, the particular combination of sounds which form a compound stop. (4) A mechanical arrangement on the organ by which certain combinations of stops may be employed or not, at the wish of the performer, upon his opening or closing a valve, or by using a pedal which acts upon the sliders.
25Composizione (It.) A composition.
27Composizione di Tavolino (It.) Table music. Convivial compositions, c.f. Ger. Lieder-tafel. [Chamber music.]
29Compound intervals. Intervals greater than an octave, as opposed to simple intervals which are less than an octave.
31Compound Stops. Organ stops having more than one rank of pipes.
33Compound Times. Times in which the bar is divided into two or more groups of notes, e.g., 6 which consists of two groups of three notes; 8 which consists of three groups of three, &c. Compound Times are classified as duple or triple, according to the number of groups in each bar, not according to the number of notes in each group; e.g., 6 is a duple time; 8 a triple time; 12 (four groups of three) a duple time, &c. The principal accent falls on the first note in each bar, and a subordinate accent on the first note of each group.
35Comus (Gk. κωμος). A revel, carousal, merry making with music and dancing. The revellers paraded the street crowned, carrying torches, and sang verses in praise of the gods or the victors in the games.
37Comus. (Gk. κομμος). A mournful song sung in alternate verses by an actor and a chorus in the Attic drama.
39Con (It.) With; e.g. con amore, with affection; con moto, with spirited movement; con sordini, with the mutes on, &c. (See the words to which it is prefixed.)
41Concento (It.) Harmony.
42Concentus (Lat.) (concinno). Musical
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