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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. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






2. A mild glissando between two notes for an expressive effect.






3. A repeated phrase.






4. A reprise.






5. One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark - melancholic mood.






6. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






7. Slow and stately dance music written in triple time.






8. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






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






10. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






11. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






12. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






13. Movement in music where the characteristics are crisp and direct.






14. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






15. The principal note of a triad.






16. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






17. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.






18. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






19. The distance in pitch between two notes.






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






21. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






22. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






23. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






24. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






25. Made up of five horizontal parallel lines and the spaces between them on which musical notation is written.






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






27. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






28. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






29. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






30. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






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






32. Lowest female singing voice.






33. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






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






35. A composition written for three voices and instruments performed by three people






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






37. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






38. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






39. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






40. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






41. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






42. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






43. A direction to play expressively.






44. The interval between two notes. Two whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






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






46. The first violin in an orchestra.






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






48. A symbol indicating the note is to be raised by one semitone.






49. Sliding between two notes.






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







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