Music Criticism Terminology

noun a musical term referring to a discordant or unpleasant sound

adjective describing something that is unpleasant or disagreeable

• The pianist hit a sour note during the concert.
• I think you hit a sour note with your joke, no one laughed.
• She always knows how to hit a sour note with her comments.
• The team's loss was a sour note in an otherwise successful season.

adverb A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, typically answering the questions of how, when, where, or to what extent.

• The art critic looked at the painting admiratively, noting every intricate detail.
• She gazed admiratively at the beautiful sunset, feeling a sense of peace wash over her.
• I saw him checking out the new car admiratively, probably thinking about buying one himself.
• The author described the protagonist's actions admiratively, highlighting his bravery and selflessness.