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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 short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






2. Indicating speed.






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






4. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






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






6. A short or brief sonata.






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






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






9. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






10. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






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






12. A Boroque dance with a drone-bass.






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






14. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






15. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






16. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






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






18. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






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






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






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






22. Pertains to tone or tones.






23. A short light musical drama.






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






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






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






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






28. The movement of chords in succession.






29. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






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






31. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






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






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






34. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






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






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






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






38. 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.






39. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






40. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






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






42. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






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. To shift to another key.






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






46. The movement of chords in succession.






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






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






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






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