Editing Musical composition (section)

== Terminology ==

Since the invention of [[sound recording]], a classical piece or popular song may exist as a recording. If music is composed before being performed, music can be performed from memory (the norm for instrumental soloists in [[concerto]] performances and singers in [[opera]] shows and [[art song]] recitals), by reading written musical notation (the norm in large ensembles, such as orchestras, [[concert band]]s and [[choir]]s), or through a combination of both methods. For example, the principal cello player in an orchestra may read most of the [[accompaniment]] parts in a symphony, where she is playing tutti parts, but then memorize an exposed solo, in order to be able to watch the [[Conducting|conductor]]. Compositions comprise a huge variety of musical elements, which vary widely from between genres and cultures. Popular music genres after about 1960 make extensive use of electric and electronic instruments, such as [[electric guitar]] and [[electric bass]]. Electric and electronic instruments are used in [[contemporary classical music]] compositions and concerts, albeit to a lesser degree than in popular music. Music from the [[Baroque music]] era (1600–1750), for example, used only acoustic and mechanical instruments such as strings, brass, woodwinds, timpani and keyboard instruments such as [[harpsichord]] and [[pipe organ]]. A 2000s-era pop band may use an [[electric guitar]] played with [[effects unit|electronic effects]] through a [[guitar amplifier]], a digital [[synthesizer keyboard]] and [[electronic drums]].

===Piece===
''Piece'' is a "general, non-technical term [that began to be] applied mainly to instrumental compositions from the 17th century onwards....other than when they are taken individually 'piece' and its equivalents are rarely used of movements in sonatas or symphonies....composers have used all these terms [in their different languages] frequently in compound forms [e.g. Klavierstück]....In vocal music...the term is most frequently used for operatic ensembles..."<ref name="Grove">Tilmouth, Michael. 1980. "Piece". ''The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians'', first edition, 20 vols., edited by Stanley Sadie, Vol. 14: 735. London: Macmillan Publishers; New York: Grove's Dictionaries. {{ISBN|1-56159-174-2}}.</ref>