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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. Slow and stately dance music written in triple time.






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






3. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






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






5. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






6. Pertains to tone or tones.






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






8. The interval between two notes. Two whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






9. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






10. A whole note is equal to 2 half notes - 4 quarter notes - 8 eighth notes - etc.






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






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






13. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






14. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






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






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






17. A short light musical drama.






18. The element of music pertaining to time - played as a grouping of notes into accented and unaccented beats.






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






20. Closing section of a movement.






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






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






23. A symbol indicating to play loud.






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






25. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






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






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






28. Successive notes of a key or mode either ascending or descending.






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






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






31. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






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






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






34. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






35. 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.






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






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






38. A symbol indicating to play loud.






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






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






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






42. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






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






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






45. The distance in pitch between two notes.






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






47. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






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






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






50. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.







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