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






2. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






3. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






4. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






5. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






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






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






8. 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.






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






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






11. 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.






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






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






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






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






16. The first violin in an orchestra.






17. The expression the performer brings when playing his instrument.






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






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






20. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






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






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






23. A string of chords played in succession.






24. Group of singers in a chorus.






25. Eight full tones above the key note where the scale begins and ends.






26. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






27. A short light musical drama.






28. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






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






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






32. The structure of a piece of music.






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






34. Sliding between two notes.






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






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






37. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






38. Suite of Baroque dances.






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






40. The principal note of a triad.






41. A composition written for nine instruments.






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






43. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






44. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






45. 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.






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






47. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






48. 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.






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






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