Musical Symbolism and Metaphor

A minor key signature is often used to symbolize sadness or melancholy.

Musical onomatopoeia is the use of a musical instrument to imitate a sound.

A melody that rises and falls like a wave is an example of musical metaphor because it suggests the motion of a wave.

Musical mood painting is the use of music to create a specific mood or atmosphere.

Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is an example of program music because it tells the story of Napoleon's invasion of Russia.

Musical characterization is the use of music to represent a specific character or emotion.

The use of a minor key to represent sadness is an example of musical characterization because it suggests the emotion of sadness.

Musical tension and release is the use of music to create a sense of tension and release.

A harmony that creates a sense of tension and release is an example of musical tension and release because it creates a sense of anticipation and then resolution.

Musical symbolism is the use of music to represent a specific object or idea.

A minor key signature is often used to symbolize sadness or melancholy.

Musical onomatopoeia is the use of a musical instrument to imitate a sound.

A melody that rises and falls like a wave is an example of musical metaphor because it suggests the motion of a wave.

Musical mood painting is the use of music to create a specific mood or atmosphere.

Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is an example of program music because it tells the story of Napoleon's invasion of Russia.