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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. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






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






3. The unit of musical rhythm.






4. The distance in pitch between two notes.






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






6. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






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






8. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






18. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






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






20. Indicating speed.






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






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






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






24. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






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






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






27. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






29. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






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






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






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






33. Three notes played in the same amount of time as one or two beats.






34. A symbol in sheet music a direction to play energetically.






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






36. Repetition of a single tone.






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






38. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






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






40. A successive transposition and repetition of a phrase at different pitches.






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






42. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






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






44. A repeated phrase.






45. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






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






47. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






48. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






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