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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. Group of singers in a chorus.






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






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






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






5. A reprise.






6. A composition written for eight instruments.






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






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






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






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






11. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






13. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






14. Suite of Baroque dances.






15. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






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






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






18. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






19. A short or brief sonata.






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






21. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






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






23. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






24. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






25. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






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






27. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






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






29. Sliding between two notes.






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






31. A short light musical drama.






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






33. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






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






35. A direction to play expressively.






36. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






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






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






39. A composition written for nine instruments.






40. 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.






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






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






43. Pertains to tone or tones.






44. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






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






46. A melodic or - sometimes a harmonic idea presented in a musical form.






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






48. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






49. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






50. Indicating speed.