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






2. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






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






4. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






5. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






6. The movement of chords in succession.






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






8. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






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






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






11. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






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






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






14. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






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






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






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






18. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






19. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






20. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






21. The unit of musical rhythm.






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






23. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






24. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






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






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






27. 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.






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






29. A repeated phrase.






30. Unmusical - without tone.






31. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






42. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






43. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






44. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






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






46. The element of music pertaining to time - played as a grouping of notes into accented and unaccented beats.






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






48. 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.






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






50. A direction to play lively and fast.