Music A-Level
Sonority
What Sonority means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Sonority
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Reference: AQA
The unique tone colour or quality of a sound that distinguishes different voices and instruments, even when playing the same pitch and volume.
The unique tone colour produced by an instrument, voice, or ensemble, which composers increasingly exploited for expressive purposes.
The unique tone colour or quality of a sound that distinguishes different voices, instruments, or sound sources.
The unique tone colour and sound quality of specific instruments, voices, or electronic sources.
The unique tone colour or quality of sound produced by an instrument or voice.
The unique tone colour or quality of sound produced by instruments and voices.
Topics that use Sonority
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 2: Pop music - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 3: Music for media - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 4: Music for theatre - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 5: Jazz - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 6: Contemporary traditional music - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Expressive techniques
- Glissando
- Instrumental techniques
- Pitch bend
- Syncopation
- Thematic development
- Articulation
- Chorus
Using Sonority in the exam
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