Baroque Music Test
A test of students' understanding of music in the baroque time period.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The term used in the Baroque period to express emotion or mood is called
- A.
Agitation
- B.
Jealousy
- C.
Affections
- D.
Joy
Correct Answer
C. AffectionsExplanation
During the Baroque period, the term "affections" was used to describe the expression of emotions or moods in music. Composers of this era aimed to evoke specific feelings in their listeners through their compositions. The use of contrasting musical elements such as dynamics, tempo, and texture helped to convey different emotions, ranging from joy and happiness to sadness and melancholy. The term "affections" encompassed this range of emotional expression, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
A type of song that is meant to imitate the rhythmic patterns of speech, serves a narrative function, and is accompanied only by basso continuo is called
- A.
Secco recitative
- B.
Accompanied recitative
- C.
Castrato
- D.
Basso ostinato
Correct Answer
A. Secco recitativeExplanation
Secco recitative is a type of song that imitates the rhythmic patterns of speech and serves a narrative function. It is accompanied only by basso continuo, which consists of a bass instrument, such as a cello or bassoon, and a keyboard instrument, such as a harpsichord or organ. This type of recitative is typically used in opera and oratorio to advance the plot and convey dialogue between characters. It allows for flexibility in the music and emphasizes the natural flow of the text.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
A typical baroque operatic form was the da capo aria in ABA form in which the singer
- A.
Would make a literal repetition of the opening A section after the B section
- B.
Was expected to embellish the returning melody with ornamental tones
- C.
Would insert recitatives between the sections for added variety
- D.
Improvise new words for the returning A section
Correct Answer
B. Was expected to embellish the returning melody with ornamental tonesExplanation
In a typical baroque operatic form, the da capo aria in ABA form, the singer is expected to embellish the returning melody with ornamental tones. This means that after singing the B section, the singer would repeat the opening A section but add decorative elements to the melody. This embellishment adds variation and ornamentation to the aria, showcasing the singer's skill and creativity. It was a common practice in baroque music to allow singers to showcase their virtuosity through improvisation and ornamentation.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Monteverdi's first operatic masterpiece was called
- A.
Orfeo
- B.
Le Nozze de Figaro
- C.
Aida
- D.
Persephone
Correct Answer
A. OrfeoExplanation
Monteverdi's first operatic masterpiece was called "Orfeo." This opera, composed in 1607, tells the story of Orpheus, a legendary musician who descends into the underworld to rescue his beloved wife Eurydice. "Orfeo" is considered a groundbreaking work in the history of opera, as it marked the transition from the Renaissance style of music to the Baroque era. It showcased Monteverdi's innovative use of vocal and instrumental techniques, and its emotional depth and expressive power set a new standard for the genre.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
The Baroque 'trio sonata' is a somewhat misleading title in that is usually involves _____ performers.
- A.
3
- B.
4
- C.
5
- D.
2
Correct Answer
B. 4Explanation
The Baroque 'trio sonata' is a somewhat misleading title in that it usually involves four performers. This is because the term "trio" refers to the three melodic lines or voices (two violins and one bass), while the fourth performer is responsible for playing the continuo part on a keyboard instrument or a cello. Therefore, even though it is called a "trio" sonata, it actually requires four performers to fully execute the composition.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
The Italian composer, Vivaldi, wrote concertos
- A.
Only for string instruments
- B.
Only for violins with continuo
- C.
For a great variety of instruments
- D.
Only for keyboard instruments
Correct Answer
C. For a great variety of instrumentsExplanation
Vivaldi is known for his extensive repertoire of concertos, which were composed for a great variety of instruments. His compositions include concertos for string instruments, such as violins, as well as other instruments like flutes, oboes, and trumpets. Vivaldi's versatility as a composer allowed him to create music that showcased the capabilities of different instruments, making his concertos popular and influential in the Baroque period.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Although all the movements of a baroque suite are written in the same key, they can differ in
- A.
Meter
- B.
National origin
- C.
Tempo
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
A baroque suite consists of multiple movements, typically written in the same key. However, these movements can differ in various aspects such as meter, national origin, and tempo. Meter refers to the organization of beats within a musical composition, while national origin refers to the cultural influences and characteristics associated with a particular country or region. Tempo, on the other hand, refers to the speed or pace at which a piece of music is performed. Therefore, all of the above options are correct as they accurately describe the potential differences in the movements of a baroque suite.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
The various dances of a baroque suite are usually
- A.
In theme and variation form
- B.
In binary form
- C.
In ABA form
- D.
In ternary form
Correct Answer
B. In binary formExplanation
The various dances of a baroque suite are usually in binary form. This means that each dance is divided into two sections, with each section being repeated. The first section usually ends in a cadence that provides a sense of closure, while the second section provides contrast and may explore different musical ideas. This binary form structure was commonly used in baroque music to create balance and symmetry within the suite.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Oratorio differs from opera in that it has no
- A.
Orchestral accompaniment
- B.
Acting, scenery, or costumes
- C.
Choral parts
- D.
Vocal soloists
Correct Answer
B. Acting, scenery, or costumesExplanation
Oratorio differs from opera in that it does not include acting, scenery, or costumes. Unlike opera, which involves a full theatrical production with elaborate sets, costumes, and dramatic performances, oratorio focuses solely on the music and the vocal performances. It typically consists of a narrative or religious story, often with choral parts and vocal soloists, but it does not require the visual elements and theatrical elements found in opera. Oratorio is primarily a concert-style performance, allowing the audience to focus on the music and the emotional depth of the vocal performances.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Handel's Messiah is an example of
- A.
An oratorio
- B.
An opera
- C.
Musical theater
- D.
A song
Correct Answer
A. An oratorioExplanation
Handel's Messiah is an example of an oratorio. An oratorio is a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, usually based on a religious or biblical theme. Handel composed Messiah in 1741 and it is one of the most famous and frequently performed oratorios in Western music. It consists of various musical movements, including recitatives, arias, and choruses, telling the story of Jesus Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection. The composition showcases Handel's mastery of choral writing and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through music.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Which of the following forms originated in the Baroque period?
- A.
Fugue
- B.
Concerto grosso
- C.
Oratorio
- D.
Opera
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
During the Baroque period, various musical forms emerged and flourished. A fugue is a complex contrapuntal composition, often featuring a single theme that is repeated and developed throughout. Concerto grosso is a form that involves a small group of soloists (concertino) playing against a larger ensemble (ripieno). Oratorio is a large-scale religious composition, typically featuring soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Opera is a dramatic form of musical theater, combining singing, acting, and orchestral accompaniment. All of these forms originated in the Baroque period, making "all of the above" the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
A hymn tune that is easy to sing and remember and is incorporated into a cantata is a
- A.
Subject
- B.
Melody
- C.
Theme
- D.
Chorale
Correct Answer
D. ChoraleExplanation
A chorale is a type of hymn tune that is easy to sing and remember. It is often incorporated into a cantata, which is a musical composition that includes vocal and instrumental parts. The term "melody" refers to the main musical line in a piece of music, while "theme" generally refers to a recurring musical idea. Therefore, "chorale" is the most fitting answer as it specifically describes a hymn tune that meets the given criteria.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
Like operas, ___________ and ______________ have arias, recitatives, chorus, and orchestral preludes/overtures.
- A.
Cantatas, oratorios
- B.
Chorales, concertos
- C.
Overtures, preludes
Correct Answer
A. Cantatas, oratoriosExplanation
Cantatas and oratorios are both musical compositions that share similar elements with operas. They include arias, which are solo vocal pieces, recitatives, which are sung in a more speech-like manner, choruses, and orchestral preludes or overtures. Cantatas are typically shorter and often performed as part of a religious service, while oratorios are longer and tell a story, often with a religious or biblical theme. Therefore, both cantatas and oratorios fit the description of having arias, recitatives, chorus, and orchestral preludes/overtures, making them the correct answer.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
A type of repetition in which the bassline is repeated over and over while the melodies above it change is called
- A.
A canon
- B.
Basso continuo
- C.
Ground bass
Correct Answer
C. Ground bassExplanation
A ground bass is a type of repetition where the bassline is repeated continuously while the melodies above it change. This technique creates a strong foundation and provides a sense of stability in the music. It is often used in Baroque music and can be found in compositions such as Pachelbel's Canon in D. The repetition of the bassline allows for variations and elaborations in the melodies, creating an interesting and dynamic musical texture.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
The musical representation of specific poetic images; when the music reflects the meaning of words, it is called
- A.
Word painting
- B.
Imagery
- C.
A metaphor
Correct Answer
A. Word paintingExplanation
Word painting refers to the musical technique where the music mirrors or depicts the meaning of the words being sung or spoken. It involves using musical elements such as dynamics, rhythm, melody, and harmony to illustrate or enhance the imagery and emotions conveyed by the lyrics. This technique adds depth and vividness to the overall musical experience, allowing the listener to visualize and connect with the poetic images on a deeper level.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Terraced dynamics involve
- A.
Sudden shifts from one dynamic level to another
- B.
Gradual changes through crescendo and decrescendo
- C.
The same dynamics throughout a piece of music
Correct Answer
A. Sudden shifts from one dynamic level to anotherExplanation
Terraced dynamics involve sudden shifts from one dynamic level to another. This means that there are abrupt changes in the volume or intensity of the music, without any gradual transitions. Instead of gradually getting louder or softer, the dynamics change abruptly from one level to another. This can create a dramatic and impactful effect in the music, as it adds contrast and emphasizes certain sections or moments.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Which of the following instruments could play basso continuo?
- A.
Oboe and piano
- B.
Violin and viola
- C.
Bassoon and harpsichord
- D.
Saxophone and cello
Correct Answer
C. Bassoon and harpsichordExplanation
The basso continuo is a musical accompaniment technique commonly used in the Baroque period. It consists of a bass instrument, such as the bassoon, and a keyboard instrument, such as the harpsichord. The bassoon provides the low, sustained bass line, while the harpsichord plays chords and fills in the harmonies. Therefore, the bassoon and harpsichord are the instruments that could play basso continuo.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
A piece that sounds fairly complete and independent but is part of a larger composition is called a
- A.
Concerto
- B.
Movement
- C.
Fugue
- D.
Ground bass
Correct Answer
B. MovementExplanation
A movement is a piece of music that is part of a larger composition, such as a symphony or a sonata. It is a self-contained section that can be performed on its own, but it is meant to be played in the context of the entire composition. Movements often have their own distinct musical ideas, themes, and structures, and they are usually connected to each other through transitions or pauses. Therefore, the term "movement" accurately describes a piece that sounds fairly complete and independent but is part of a larger composition.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
A --------------- is a polyphonic composition based on one main theme called a subject.
- A.
Fugue
- B.
Ground bass
- C.
Ritornello
- D.
Recitative
Correct Answer
A. FugueExplanation
A fugue is a polyphonic composition based on one main theme called a subject. In a fugue, the subject is introduced by one voice and then imitated by other voices in a contrapuntal manner. The subject is developed and explored throughout the composition, with different variations and transformations. Fugues are known for their intricate and complex musical structures, often involving multiple voices and intricate harmonies. They require a high level of skill and technique from the composer and performers.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Ritornello form and concerto grosso is based on the alternation of two instrumental groups: --------------- and -----------------.
- A.
Tutti, solo
- B.
Forte, piano
- C.
Violins, woodwinds
Correct Answer
A. Tutti, soloExplanation
Ritornello form and concerto grosso are musical forms that involve the alternation between two instrumental groups. In this case, the correct answer is "Tutti, solo." "Tutti" refers to the full ensemble playing together, while "solo" refers to a smaller group or individual playing a solo or featured part. This alternation between the full ensemble and smaller groups or individuals adds contrast and variety to the music, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
May 31, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 28, 2012Quiz Created by
Pianogirl43
Back to top