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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 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.






2. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






3. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






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






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






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






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






8. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






9. The distance in pitch between two notes.






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






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






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






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






14. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






16. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






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






18. 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.






19. A hymn sung by the choir and congregation often in unison.






20. The structure of a piece of music.






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






22. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






23. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






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






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






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






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






29. The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.






30. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






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






32. A short piano piece - often improvisational and intimate in character.






33. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






42. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






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






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






45. Movement in music where the characteristics are crisp and direct.






46. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






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






48. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






49. A string of chords played in succession.






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