Test your basic knowledge |

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 sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






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






3. A set of four musicians who perform a composition written for four parts.






4. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






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






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






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






8. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






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






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






11. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






12. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






13. The principal note of a triad.






14. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






15. The structure of a piece of music.






16. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






17. A short light musical drama.






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






19. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






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






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






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






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






24. Music composed such that each note is used the same number of times.






25. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






26. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






27. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






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






29. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






30. A person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






31. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






32. The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.






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






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






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






36. To shift to another key.






37. The major and minor keys that share the same notes in that key.For example: A minor shares the same note as C major.






38. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






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






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






41. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






42. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






43. Repetition of a single tone.






44. Pertains to tone or tones.






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






46. A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.






47. A repeated phrase.






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






49. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






50. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.