Classical Music Terms Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'adagio' mean in musical terminology?

At ease or slowly (correct)

A type of dance

A vocal composition

Fast tempo

What is an aeromelodicon?

A patented keyboard instrument invented in the 19th century.

An air or ayre is synonymous with the Italian aria.

True

What does 'aleatory' refer to in music?

Music involving an element of chance in composition or performance. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'allegro' mean?

Fast tempo or happy. Signup and view all the answers

What is an alto voice?

The second highest voice, sung by men or women. Signup and view all the answers

An anthem is a sacred vocal work of the __________ church.

English-speaking Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'antiphon' refer to?

A short passage sung responsively Signup and view all the answers

Define aria in the context of opera.

A song, usually in an extended form typically found in opera and oratorio. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ballade?

An extended dramatic piano piece. Signup and view all the answers

A ballad opera is a form of English drama that includes plays without any singing.

False Signup and view all the answers

What voice type is referred to as a baritone?

A man's voice between bass and tenor. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'basso continuo' mean?

Continuous bass in music accompaniment. Signup and view all the answers

A bolero is a Spanish dance in __________ time.

triple Signup and view all the answers

What is a canon in music?

The repetition of a melody at a delayed time. Signup and view all the answers

Define cantata.

An extended vocal composition for one or more voices with instrumental accompaniment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cantor responsible for in religious contexts?

Performing passages of the liturgy, usually unaccompanied. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cantus firmus' mean?

Fixed song in music. Signup and view all the answers

What is a canzonetta?

A little song, generally reserved for vocal compositions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of caprice or capriccio?

A free style of vocal or instrumental music. Signup and view all the answers

What is a catch in music?

Originally a round for voices, often humorous or indecent. Signup and view all the answers

What is a celesta?

A keyboard percussion instrument with metal plates struck by hammers. Signup and view all the answers

What is chamber music?

Music for a small group, typically more intimate than concert hall performances. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'chorale' typically refer to?

A hymn tune from the German Protestant tradition. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Music Terms

Adagio: Italian term meaning 'at ease' or 'slowly'; indicates a slow tempo for a piece or movement.
Aeromelodicon: A 19th-century keyboard instrument that failed to gain popularity despite being patented.
Air or Ayre: A song-like tune for instruments or voice, related to the French 'aire de cour' and Italian aria; evolved in the operatic context.
Aleatory: Contemporary music involving chance in composition or performance; derived from Latin for 'dice'.
Allegro: Italian for 'happy'; signifies a fast tempo and is also used to name a movement within a composition.
Alto: Refers to a high male voice or the second highest voice in vocal music, applicable to both genders; also describes instruments in a similar range.
Anthem: A sacred vocal piece commonly found in English-speaking churches, serving as the equivalent to the Latin motet.
Antiphon: A short passage, often from psalms, sung in response format, highlighting the antiphonal style of performance.
Aria: Extended vocal solo primarily in opera or oratorio, often structured in three sections; prominent form includes A-B-A da capo aria from the 18th century.
Ballade: A dramatic piano composition, first notably used by Frédéric Chopin.
Ballad Opera: A form of English drama featuring alternating spoken dialogue and songs.
Baritone: Male voice type that sits between bass and tenor ranges.
Basso Continuo: Common harmonic support from a keyboard or lute, indicated through bass notes and figures; closely related to figured bass.
Bolero: A traditional Spanish dance characterized by its triple time signature.
Canon: Musical technique of repeating a melody with a delay, leading to overlapping presentations; also refers to a composition using this technique.
Cantata: Extended vocal work for one or more voices with instrumental accompaniment; means 'sung' in Italian.
Cantor: A solo singer in Christian and Jewish liturgy responsible for unaccompanied passages.
Cantus Firmus: Term for the fixed melody, particularly the tenor line in 15th-century polyphony.
Canzona (Canzoni): Initially a term for a poem, later adapted for its musical setting, and often a short instrumental piece incorporating figured elements.
Canzonetta: A 'little song' in Italian, specifically referring to vocal music settings of canzoni.
Caprice or Capriccio: A flexible style of music, either vocal or instrumental, not conforming to strict categories; similar to a fantasia.
Catch: Originally a vocal round, the term evolved to denote humorous and often risqué compositions.
Celesta: A keyboard percussion instrument, invented in the late 19th century, where metal plates are struck; famously utilized by Tchaikovsky.
Chamber Music: Originally designed for intimate settings (like a chamber), this form applies to any smaller scale concert works.
Chorale/Choral: Refers to hymn tunes from the German Protestant tradition, often utilized by composers like Bach in organ and vocal works.

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Description

Test your knowledge of classical music terminology with this engaging quiz. Dive into the meanings and historical contexts of various terms, from adagio to anthem. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!