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






2. The highest female voice.






3. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






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






6. Repetition of a single tone.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






19. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






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






21. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






22. Unmusical - without tone.






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






24. A symbol indicating to play loud.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






32. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






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






34. Unmusical - without tone.






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






36. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






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






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. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






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






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






43. Indicating speed.






44. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






45. A system of notation for stringed instruments. The notes are indicated by the finger positions.






46. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






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






48. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






49. Piece of instrumental music played between scenes in a play or opera.






50. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.