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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 repeated phrase.






2. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






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






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






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






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






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






8. A symbol in sheet music that returns a note to its original pitch after it has been augmented or diminished.






9. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






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






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






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






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






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






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. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






17. A rhythmic succession of musical tones - a melody for instruments and voices.






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






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






20. A symbol in sheet music that returns a note to its original pitch after it has been augmented or diminished.






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






22. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






24. Closing section of a movement.






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






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






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






28. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






29. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






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






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






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






33. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






34. The highest female voice.






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






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






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






38. The unit of musical rhythm.






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






40. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






41. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






42. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






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






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






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






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






47. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






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






49. A short or brief sonata.






50. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.