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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






2. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






3. A short or brief sonata.






4. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






5. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






6. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






7. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






8. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






9. Indicating speed.






10. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






11. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






12. A system of notation for stringed instruments. The notes are indicated by the finger positions.






13. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






14. The expression the performer brings when playing his instrument.






15. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






16. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






17. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






18. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






19. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






20. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






21. A rhythmic succession of musical tones - a melody for instruments and voices.






22. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






23. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






24. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






25. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






26. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






27. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






28. The first section of a movement written in sonata form - introducing the melodies and themes.






29. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






30. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






31. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






32. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






33. A Boroque dance with a drone-bass.






34. A string of chords played in succession.






35. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






36. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






37. The seventh note of the scale where there is a strong desire to resolve on the tonic.






38. The principal note of a triad.






39. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






40. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






41. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






42. Sliding between two notes.






43. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






44. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






45. Lowest female singing voice.






46. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






47. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






48. A reprise.






49. The highest female voice.






50. Music written for a lively French dance for two performers written in triple time.