Test your basic knowledge |

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






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






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






4. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






5. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






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






7. A separate section of a larger composition.






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






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






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






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






12. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






13. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






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






15. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






17. A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.






18. Unmusical - without tone.






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






20. 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.






21. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






22. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






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






24. A musical scale having five notes.For example: the five black keys of a keyboard make up a pentatonic scale.






25. A chord comprised of three whole tones resulting in an augmented fourth or diminished fifth.






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






27. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






28. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






29. A hymn sung by the choir and congregation often in unison.






30. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






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






32. 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.






33. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






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






35. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






36. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






37. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






38. The first violin in an orchestra.






39. 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.






40. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






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






42. Indicating speed.






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






44. 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.






45. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






46. The movement of chords in succession.






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






48. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






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






50. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.