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






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






3. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






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






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






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






7. Closing section of a movement.






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






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






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






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






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






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






14. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






15. A symbol indicating to play loud.






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






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






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






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






20. The first violin in an orchestra.






21. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






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






23. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






24. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






25. A separate section of a larger composition.






26. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






27. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






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






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






30. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






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






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






33. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






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






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






36. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






37. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






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






39. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






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






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






42. Vocal composition written for three or more solo parts - usually without instrumental accompaniment.






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






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






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






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






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






48. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






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






50. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






Can you answer 50 questions in 15 minutes?



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