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






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






4. Unmusical - without tone.






5. 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.






6. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






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






8. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






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






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






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






12. A Boroque dance with a drone-bass.






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






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






15. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






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






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






18. 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.






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






20. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






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






22. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






23. A separate section of a larger composition.






24. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






25. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






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






27. 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.






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






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






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






31. The unit of musical rhythm.






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






33. A short light musical drama.






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






35. Unmusical - without tone.






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






37. 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.






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






39. A direction to play expressively.






40. A direction to play lively and fast.






41. A reprise.






42. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






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






44. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






45. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






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






47. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






48. The highest female voice.






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






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