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by
Danlee Mitchell and
Jack Logan, Ph.D.
The term medium (pl. media) in music
refers to the type of performing ensemble that is selected for a given
work. There are three general categories of Western performing ensembles
(1) instrumental, (2) vocal and (3) mixed vocal and instrumental.
Under each general category below there are sub-categories.
Below is a list of the general categories and sub-categories of performance
media found in Western music: Large ensembles are known appropriately
as "large" ensembles while small ensembles are known as "chamber" groups.
Music for one solo player (with or without keyboard or guitar accompaniment)
is known as "solo literature".
Vocal Media
1. Solo
Literature vocal solo (usually with accompaniment of keyboard or
guitar),
2. Chamber
Groups vocal duet, vocal trio, vocal quartet, et al, madrigal groups
(4-8 singers),
3. Large Ensembles
chorus.
Instrumental Media
1. Solo
Literature instrumental solo (usually with accompaniment by keyboard
or guitar),
2. Chamber
Group string quartet, woodwind quintet, piano trio, small mixed
g roup, jazz combo, rock group (in number of players, not in dynamic effect,
3. Large Ensemble
symphony orchestra, concert or symphonic band, marching band, big
jazz band.
Mixed Instrumental
and Vocal Media
1. Chamber
Group any small vocal and instrumental combination,
2. Large Ensemble
chorus and orchestra, chorus and band, chorus and jazz band, vocal
soloists-chorus-orchestra, et al.
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