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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. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






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






3. Slow and stately dance music written in triple time.






4. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






5. The structure of a piece of music.






6. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






7. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






9. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






10. Suite of Baroque dances.






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






12. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






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






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






15. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






16. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






17. The highest female voice.






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






19. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






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






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






22. A short light musical drama.






23. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






24. A reprise.






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






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






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






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






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






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






31. A Boroque dance with a drone-bass.






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






33. 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.






34. An instruction in sheet music to play softly. Abbreviated by a 'p'.






35. Slow and stately dance music written in triple time.






36. A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.






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






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






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






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






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






42. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






43. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






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






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






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






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






48. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






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






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