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






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






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






4. A repeated phrase.






5. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






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






7. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






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






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






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






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






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






13. Pertains to tone or tones.






14. 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.






15. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






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






17. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






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






19. The interval between two notes. Two whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






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






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






22. Suite of Baroque dances.






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






24. Unmusical - without tone.






25. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






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






27. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






28. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






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






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






31. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






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






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






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






35. Group of singers in a chorus.






36. A symbol indicating to play loud.






37. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






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






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






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






41. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






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






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






44. A direction to play lively and fast.






45. A mild glissando between two notes for an expressive effect.






46. A reprise.






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






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






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






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