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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. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






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






3. A separate section of a larger composition.






4. Repetition of a single tone.






5. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






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






7. To shift to another key.






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






9. A musical scale having five notes.For example: the five black keys of a keyboard make up a pentatonic scale.






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. Sliding between two notes.






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






13. The distance in pitch between two notes.






14. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






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






16. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






26. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






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






28. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






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






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






31. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






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






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






34. A composition written for eight instruments.






35. A line in a contrapuntal work performed by an individual voice or instrument.






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






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






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






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






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






41. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






42. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






43. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






44. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






45. The movement of chords in succession.






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






47. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






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






49. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






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