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






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






3. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






4. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






5. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






6. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






8. 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.






9. The interval between two notes. Two whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






10. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






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






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






13. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






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






15. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






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






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






18. A composition written for nine instruments.






19. A symbol indicating to play loud.






20. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






21. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






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






23. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






24. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






25. Eight full tones above the key note where the scale begins and ends.






26. A composition written for eight instruments.






27. The seventh note of the scale where there is a strong desire to resolve on the tonic.






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






29. The structure of a piece of music.






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






31. 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.






32. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






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






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






35. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






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






37. First developed in the 8th century - methods of writing music.






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






39. Sliding between two notes.






40. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






41. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played smoothly.






42. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






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






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






46. A composition written for nine instruments.






47. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






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






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






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