Music 120 - Music Appreciation » Winter 2022 » Elements of Music Quiz

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Question #1
A beat is
A.   a short melodic phrase played by a solo instrument.
B.   a short repeating rhythmic pattern.
C.   a basic unit of time, regular pulse.
D.   a result of syncopated rhythms.
Question #2
A succession of single tones or pitches perceived by the ear as a unit is called
A.   an interval.
B.   a harmony.
C.   a melody.
D.   a chord.
Question #3
The distance and relationship between two pitches is called
A.   a phrase.
B.   a countermelody.
C.   a cadence.
D.   an interval.
Question #4
The striking emotional effect created by the high point in a melodic line is called the
A.   range.
B.   climax.
C.   cadence.
D.   countermelody.
Question #5
In determining pitch, what is meant by frequency?
A.   how fast the pitches are played
B.   how often the pitch is played
C.   the span between the highest and lowest notes
D.   the number of vibrations per second
Question #6
The first beat of a measure is usually the strongest in any meter and is called
A.   a syncopated beat.
B.   an upbeat.
C.   a downbeat.
D.   a simple beat.
Question #7
A combination of three or more tones that constitutes a single block of harmony is called
A.   an interval.
B.   a chord.
C.   an octave.
D.   a scale.
Question #8
The principle of organization around a central tone or home pitch is called
A.   centralization.
B.   consonance.
C.   tonality.
D.   chromaticism
Question #9
Which of the following terms describes a concordant, or agreeable, combination of tones?
A.   consonant
B.   conjunct
C.   dissonant
D.   disjunct
Question #10
The two scale types commonly found in Western music from about 1650 to 1900 are major and minor.
A.   False
B.   True
Question #11
Harmonic movement is generated by motion toward a goal or resolution.
A.   False
B.   True
Question #12
Harmonic movement in music receives its maximum tension from consonance.
A.   False
B.   True
Question #13
A texture in which a single voice takes over the melodic interest while the accompanying voices are subordinate is called
A.   monophony.
B.   counterpoint.
C.   polyphony.
D.   homophony.
Question #14
The smallest fragment of a theme that forms a melodic-rhythmic unit is called a
A.   cadence.
B.   canon.
C.   sequence.
D.   motive.
Question #15
The basic structural concepts in the element of form are
A.   duple and triple.
B.   major and minor.
C.   polyphonic and homophonic.
D.   repetition and contrast.
Question #16
The term ________ describes the technique whereby some aspects of the music are changed, yet the whole remains recognizable.
A.   contrast
B.   form
C.   repetition
D.   variation
Question #17
The gradual swelling of the volume of music is called
A.   crescendo.
B.   adagio.
C.   accelerando.
D.   piano.
Question #18
What emotional response would most likely be associated with an accelerating tempo?
A.   sadness
B.   exhaustion
C.   peacefulness
D.   agitation
Question #19
The term song technically refers to all music, with or without words.
A.   False
B.   True
Question #20
The generally accepted term for the high male vocal range is
A.   alto.
B.   soprano.
C.   bass.
D.   tenor.
Question #21
The instruments of the Western orchestra are categorized in four groups: strings, brass, percussion, and
A.   flutes.
B.   woodwinds.
C.   idiophones.
D.   chordophones.
Question #22
The term timbre refers to the _______________ of a tone.
A.   loudness
B.   pitch
C.   length
D.   color
Question #23
Which of the following is true of all brass instruments?
A.   They are blown into through a metal mouthpiece.
B.   All of the other answers are correct.
C.   They are made of metal.
D.   Their sound is created by the vibration of the lips.
Question #24
Which is the correct order of bowed string instruments from highest to lowest in range?
A.   viola, violin, cello, double bass
B.   violin, cello, viola, double bass
C.   violin, viola, cello, double bass
D.   double bass, cello, viola, violin
Question #25
Which of the following is a double-reed instrument?
A.   flute
B.   oboe
C.   saxophone
D.   clarinet
Question #26
Titles of musical compositions may be indicated by
A.   descriptive words.
B.   opus numbers.
C.   genre and key.
D.   All of the other answers are correct.

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