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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 symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






9. A composition written for nine instruments.






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






11. 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.






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






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






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






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






16. Suite of Baroque dances.






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






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






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






20. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






21. Unmusical - without tone.






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






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






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






25. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






26. Closing section of a movement.






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






28. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






29. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






31. 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.






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






33. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






34. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






35. Sliding between two notes.






36. Introduction to an opera or other large musical work.






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






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






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






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






41. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






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






44. A symbol indicating the note is to be raised by one semitone.






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






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






47. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






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






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






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