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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. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






2. Three notes played in the same amount of time as one or two beats.






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






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






5. The interval between two notes. Two whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






6. To shift to another key.






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






8. Time in music history ranging from the middle of the 16th to the middle of the 17th centuries. Characterized by emotional - flowery music; written in strict form.






9. The highest female voice.






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






11. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






12. A person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






13. Indicating speed.






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






15. 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.






16. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






17. A string of chords played in succession.






18. Pertains to tone or tones.






19. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played smoothly.






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






21. The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.






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






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






24. A person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






25. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






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






27. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






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






29. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






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






31. A symbol in sheet music a direction to play energetically.






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






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






34. A direction to play lively and fast.






35. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






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






37. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






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






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






40. A composition written for eight instruments.






41. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






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






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






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






45. 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.






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






47. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






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






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






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