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






2. 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.






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






4. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






5. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






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






7. Pertains to tone or tones.






8. A symbol in sheet music a direction to play energetically.






9. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






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






11. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






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






13. A reprise.






14. The principal note of a triad.






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






16. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






17. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






18. A composition written for nine instruments.






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






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






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






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






23. To shift to another key.






24. A direction to play lively and fast.






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






26. Successive notes of a key or mode either ascending or descending.






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






28. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






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






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






31. A short or brief sonata.






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






33. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






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






35. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






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






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






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






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






40. A composition written for nine instruments.






41. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






42. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






43. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






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






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






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






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






48. A short light musical drama.






49. 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.






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