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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 person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






2. Music written for a lively French dance for two performers written in triple time.






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






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






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






6. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






7. Closing section of a movement.






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






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






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






11. A repeated phrase.






12. The principal note of a triad.






13. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






14. 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.






15. Repetition of a single tone.






16. Sliding between two notes.






17. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






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






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






20. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






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






22. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






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






24. Repetition of a single tone.






25. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






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






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






28. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






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






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






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






32. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






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






34. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






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






36. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






37. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






38. The seventh note of the scale where there is a strong desire to resolve on the tonic.






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






40. A reprise.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






49. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






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