Test your basic knowledge |

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






2. The raising and lowering a pitch of an instrument to produce the correct tone of a note.






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






4. A separate section of a larger composition.






5. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






6. A composition written for nine instruments.






7. The distance in pitch between two notes.






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






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






10. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






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






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






13. To shift to another key.






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






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






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






17. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






18. A composition written for eight instruments.






19. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






20. To shift to another key.






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






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






23. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






24. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






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






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






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






28. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






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






30. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






31. A whole note is equal to 2 half notes - 4 quarter notes - 8 eighth notes - etc.






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






33. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






34. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






35. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






36. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






37. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






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






39. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






40. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






41. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






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






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






44. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






45. A direction to play lively and fast.






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






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






48. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






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






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