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






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






3. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






5. A separate section of a larger composition.






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






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






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






9. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






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






11. An instruction in sheet music to play softly. Abbreviated by a 'p'.






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






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






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






15. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






16. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






17. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






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






19. Music that is easy to listen to and understand.






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






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






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






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






24. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






25. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






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






27. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






28. Suite of Baroque dances.






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






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






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






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






33. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






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






35. To shift to another key.






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






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






38. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






39. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






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






41. A Boroque dance with a drone-bass.






42. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






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






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






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






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






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






48. A short or brief sonata.






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






50. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.