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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 or brief sonata.






2. A rhythmic succession of musical tones - a melody for instruments and voices.






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






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






5. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






6. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






7. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






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






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






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






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






12. Sliding between two notes.






13. A composition written for nine instruments.






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






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






16. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






17. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






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






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






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






21. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






22. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






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






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






25. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






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






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






28. 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.






29. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






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






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






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






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






34. 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.






35. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






37. The first violin in an orchestra.






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






39. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






40. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






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






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






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






44. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






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






46. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






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






48. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






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






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