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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 musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






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






3. A short piano piece - often improvisational and intimate in character.






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






5. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






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






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






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






9. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






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






11. Introduction to an opera or other large musical work.






12. 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.






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






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






15. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






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






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






18. The unit of musical rhythm.






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






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






21. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






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






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






24. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






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






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






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






28. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






29. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






30. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






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






33. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






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






35. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






36. Lowest female singing voice.






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






38. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






39. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






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






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






42. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






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






44. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






45. Three to four movement orchestral piece - generally in sonata form.






46. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






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






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






49. Closing section of a movement.






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