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. The highest female voice.






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






3. 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.






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






5. The first section of a movement written in sonata form - introducing the melodies and themes.






6. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






7. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






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






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






10. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






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






12. Closing section of a movement.






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






14. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






15. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






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






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






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






19. A composition written for nine instruments.






20. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






21. 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.






22. The major and minor keys that share the same notes in that key.For example: A minor shares the same note as C major.






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






24. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






25. Sliding between two notes.






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






27. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






28. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






29. The movement of chords in succession.






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






31. Three to four movement orchestral piece - generally in sonata form.






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






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






34. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






35. The first section of a movement written in sonata form - introducing the melodies and themes.






36. A separate section of a larger composition.






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






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






39. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






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






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






42. 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.






43. 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.






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






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






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






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






48. 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.






49. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






50. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.