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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. Unmusical - without tone.






2. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






3. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






4. A musical composition written solely to improve technique. Often performed for artistic interest.






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






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






7. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






8. The unit of musical rhythm.






9. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






10. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






11. Vocal composition written for three or more solo parts - usually without instrumental accompaniment.






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






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






14. A melodic or - sometimes a harmonic idea presented in a musical form.






15. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






16. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






17. Pertains to tone or tones.






18. An instruction in sheet music to play softly. Abbreviated by a 'p'.






19. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






20. A chord comprised of three whole tones resulting in an augmented fourth or diminished fifth.






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






22. A separate section of a larger composition.






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






24. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






25. Refers to any great composer - conductor - or teacher of music.






26. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






27. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






29. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






30. A composition written for eight instruments.






31. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






32. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






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






34. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






35. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






36. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






37. A repeated phrase.






38. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






39. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






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






41. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






42. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






43. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






44. Group of singers in a chorus.






45. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






46. The unit of musical rhythm.






47. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






48. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






49. Refers to any great composer - conductor - or teacher of music.






50. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.