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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 symbol in sheet music that returns a note to its original pitch after it has been augmented or diminished.






2. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






3. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






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






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






6. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






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






8. A direction to play expressively.






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






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






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






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






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






14. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






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






16. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






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






18. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






19. Sliding between two notes.






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






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






22. A quick - improvisational - spirited piece of music.






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






24. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






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






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






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






28. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






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






31. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






32. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






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






34. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






35. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






36. Suite of Baroque dances.






37. A line in a contrapuntal work performed by an individual voice or instrument.






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






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






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






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






42. A line in a contrapuntal work performed by an individual voice or instrument.






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






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






45. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






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






47. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






48. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






49. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






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