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






2. Indicating speed.






3. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






4. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






5. 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.






6. First developed in the 8th century - methods of writing music.






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






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






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






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






11. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






12. 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.






13. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






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






15. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






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






17. A set of four musicians who perform a composition written for four parts.






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






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






20. 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.






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






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






23. Slow and stately dance music written in triple time.






24. Either of the two octave arrangements in modern music. The modes are either major or minor.






25. The movement of chords in succession.






26. Closing section of a movement.






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






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






29. Movement in music where the characteristics are crisp and direct.






30. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






31. Music composed such that each note is used the same number of times.






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






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






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






35. 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.






36. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






37. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






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






39. Either of the two octave arrangements in modern music. The modes are either major or minor.






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






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






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






43. The distance in pitch between two notes.






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






45. The structure of a piece of music.






46. The highest female voice.






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






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






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






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