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






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






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






4. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






5. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






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






7. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






8. A person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






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






10. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






11. Pertains to tone or tones.






12. A separate section of a larger composition.






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






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






15. The unit of musical rhythm.






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






17. The principal note of a triad.






18. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






19. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






20. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






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






22. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






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






24. Refers to any great composer - conductor - or teacher of music.






25. 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.






26. A reprise.






27. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






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






29. A short light musical drama.






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 composition written for nine instruments.






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






33. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






34. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






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






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






37. 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.






38. A whole note is equal to 2 half notes - 4 quarter notes - 8 eighth notes - etc.






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






40. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






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






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






43. A repeated phrase.






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






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






46. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






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






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






49. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






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