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. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






2. First developed in the 8th century - methods of writing music.






3. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






4. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






5. The principal note of a triad.






6. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






7. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played smoothly.






8. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






9. 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.






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






11. The raising and lowering a pitch of an instrument to produce the correct tone of a note.






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






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






14. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






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






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






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






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






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






20. Music that is easy to listen to and understand.






21. A group singing in unison.






22. The movement of chords in succession.






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






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






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






26. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






27. A short light musical drama.






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






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






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






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






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






33. Piece of instrumental music played between scenes in a play or opera.






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






35. To shift to another key.






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






37. Indicating speed.






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






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






40. A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.






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






42. The first violin in an orchestra.






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






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






45. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






46. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






47. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






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






49. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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