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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 symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






2. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






3. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






4. A chord comprised of three whole tones resulting in an augmented fourth or diminished fifth.






5. Made up of five horizontal parallel lines and the spaces between them on which musical notation is written.






6. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






7. A group singing in unison.






8. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






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






10. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






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






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






13. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






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






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






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






17. Made up of five horizontal parallel lines and the spaces between them on which musical notation is written.






18. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






19. A repeated phrase.






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






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






22. Repetition of a single tone.






23. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






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






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






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






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






28. A string of chords played in succession.






29. A short light musical drama.






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






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






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






33. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






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






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






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






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






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






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






40. Pertains to tone or tones.






41. 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.






42. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






43. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






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






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






46. The highest female voice.






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






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






49. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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