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Music theory · Musical terms · Theory concepts

Parallel 8ves — meaning in music

Parallel 8ves is a musical term meaning Two voices moving in the same direction an octave apart — forbidden in classical 4-part writing. It is a theory concepts marking, first tested at Grade 3 in ABRSM, AMEB and Trinity music theory exams. From that grade on, every written paper expects you to know it on sight.

Definition
Two voices moving in the same direction an octave apart — forbidden in classical 4-part writing
Theory conceptsFirst tested: Grade 3
Translations
FrenchDeux voix se déplaçant dans la même direction à une octave l'une de l'autre - interdit dans l'écriture classique à 4 parties
GermanZwei Stimmen, die sich im Abstand einer Oktave in die gleiche Richtung bewegen – im klassischen vierstimmigen Satz verboten
ItalianDue voci che si muovono nella stessa direzione a un'ottava di distanza - proibito nella scrittura classica in 4 parti
SpanishDos voces que se mueven en la misma dirección con una octava de diferencia: prohibido en la escritura clásica a cuatro partes
Chinese两个声音向同一方向移动,相距八度——在古典四声部写作中是禁止的

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AllemandeAlto rangeAnacrusisAnswer phraseArcoBar lineBass clefBass rangeBinary formBourréeCello clefCello rangeChromatic semitoneCompound intervalCouranteCrotchet (US name)DemisemiquaverDiatonic semitoneDominantDominant (degree)Double bar lineDouble bass clefDouble flat (𝄫)Double sharp (𝄪)Doubling ruleDupletFinal bar lineFlatGavotteGigueHarmonic minor scaleImperfect cadenceInterrupted cadenceInversion of a 3rdInversion of a 4thInversion of a 5thLeading noteLeger lineMediantMelodic minor scale (ascending)Melodic minor scale (descending)Minim (US name)MinuetModulate to the dominantModulate to the relative minorModulationNaturalNatural minor scaleParallel 5thsParallel 8vesPerfect cadencePivot chordPizzicatoPlagal cadenceQuaver (US name)Question phraseReal sequenceRelative minor of C majorRelative minor of F majorRelative minor of G majorRepeat signSarabandeSemibreve (US name)Semiquaver (US name)SemitoneSequenceSharpSlurSoprano rangeStave (staff)SubdominantSubdominant (degree)SubmediantSupertonicTenor rangeTernary formTieTonal sequenceToneTonicTonic (degree)Treble clefTripletViola clefViola rangeViolin clefViolin rangeVoice crossingVoice overlap