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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. Sliding between two notes.






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






3. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






4. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






5. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






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






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






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






9. A group singing in unison.






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






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






12. Vocal composition written for three or more solo parts - usually without instrumental accompaniment.






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






14. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.






15. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






16. Refers to any great composer - conductor - or teacher of music.






17. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






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






19. A quick - improvisational - spirited piece of music.






20. A musical scale having five notes.For example: the five black keys of a keyboard make up a pentatonic scale.






21. Suite of Baroque dances.






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






23. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






24. A system of notation for stringed instruments. The notes are indicated by the finger positions.






25. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






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






27. A group singing in unison.






28. A direction to play lively and fast.






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






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






31. Three to four movement orchestral piece - generally in sonata form.






32. 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.






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






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






35. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






36. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






37. Lowest female singing voice.






38. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






39. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






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






41. A short piano piece - often improvisational and intimate in character.






42. A composition written for three voices and instruments performed by three people






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






44. A short or brief sonata.






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






46. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






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






48. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






49. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






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







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