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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. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






2. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






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






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






5. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






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






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






8. A group singing in unison.






9. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






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






11. A reprise.






12. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






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






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






15. Pertains to tone or tones.






16. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






17. A symbol indicating to play loud.






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






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






20. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






22. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






23. Group of singers in a chorus.






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






25. Closing section of a movement.






26. A symbol in sheet music that returns a note to its original pitch after it has been augmented or diminished.






27. Group of singers in a chorus.






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






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






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






31. Suite of Baroque dances.






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






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






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






35. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






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






37. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






39. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






40. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






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






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






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






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






45. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






46. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






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






48. A composition written for nine instruments.






49. 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.






50. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.