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






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






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






4. One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark - melancholic mood.






5. 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.






6. A separate section of a larger composition.






7. 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.






8. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






9. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






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






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






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






14. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






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






16. The principal note of a triad.






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






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






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






20. Sliding between two notes.






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






22. A group singing in unison.






23. A successive transposition and repetition of a phrase at different pitches.






24. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






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






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






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






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






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






30. A line in a contrapuntal work performed by an individual voice or instrument.






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






32. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






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






34. The first violin in an orchestra.






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






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






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






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






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






40. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






41. A repeated phrase.






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






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






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






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






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






47. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






48. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






49. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






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