T

Tape Recorder

Machine for recording music and replaying. Usually now stereo and can be multiple-track, e.g. four-track where parts can be recorded separately but replayed together.

Technology

Refers to electronic equipment from the humble mono tape recorder, through keyboards, hi-fi, DAT machines, mixing desks, microphones, computers etc. etc.

Tempo

The speed of a piece of music in performance, hence to do with the pace of the beat or pulse.

Ternary

Term applied to a piece of music divided into 3 self-contained sections with the first and third bearing strong similarities - ABA.

Texture

Density of instrumentation (including vocal). Weaving parts (polyphony), solo, harmony, accompaniment etc. How many strands of sound are there at any one time.

Theme

Refers to the main melody of a piece of music. Often associated with music for films and television etc. where the Theme Music can become very well known e.g. Star Wars, Dr. No, Jaws, East-enders, Neighbours etc.

Timbre

Quality or tone-colour of a sound. Contrasts between and within instruments and single notes.

Tone

Distance between two notes. Not quite the smallest unit of pitch as there are semi-(or half) tones as well. Indeed within some cultures one can find microtones - distances even smaller than the semitone.

Tone colour

See Timbre.

Trio

A group of three performers or music written for three performers. Also name given to the middle section of a Minuet found in symphonies and sonatas, which was originally written in three parts.

Tudor Music

Name given to music from Tudor times, i.e. 16 and 17. Main composers include Taverner, Byrd, Gibbons, Tallis and Henry VIII himself. Can be both religious and secular.

Tuned

Usually refers to instruments which can play specific pitches e.g. tuned percussion means instruments such as xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, tubular bells etc.