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






2. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






3. Music composed such that each note is used the same number of times.






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






5. Time in music history ranging from the middle of the 16th to the middle of the 17th centuries. Characterized by emotional - flowery music; written in strict form.






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






7. Suite of Baroque dances.






8. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






9. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






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






11. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






12. A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.






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






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






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






16. A successive transposition and repetition of a phrase at different pitches.






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






18. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






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






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






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






22. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






23. 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.






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






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






26. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






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






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






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






30. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






38. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






39. The distance in pitch between two notes.






40. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






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






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






43. A short or brief sonata.






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






45. Time in music history ranging from the middle of the 16th to the middle of the 17th centuries. Characterized by emotional - flowery music; written in strict form.






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






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






48. Closing section of a movement.






49. A musical composition written solely to improve technique. Often performed for artistic interest.






50. The major and minor keys that share the same notes in that key.For example: A minor shares the same note as C major.