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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. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






2. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






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






4. A symbol indicating to play loud.






5. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






6. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






15. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






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






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






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






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






20. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






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






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






23. Lowest female singing voice.






24. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






25. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






26. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






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






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






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






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






31. 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.






32. 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.






33. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






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






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






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






37. A short light musical drama.






38. Repetition of a single tone.






39. A short light musical drama.






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






41. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






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






43. Introduction to an opera or other large musical work.






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






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






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






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






48. Suite of Baroque dances.






49. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






50. A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.






Can you answer 50 questions in 15 minutes?



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