Music 111 Final Exam Practice Quiz: Romanticism To Postmodernism
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This is a short quiz geared to help solidify your knowledge and understanding of most of the terms you will need to know in order to successfully pass the final exam. This is purely for fun and practice, and you will not receive any credit for doing this. Your score will not be shared with other students, and there is no limit to the number of times this quiz may be taken.
- 1.
Atonal music is said to have no tonal center and to be generally dissonant:
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Atonal music is characterized by the absence of a tonal center, meaning that it does not revolve around a specific pitch or key. Instead, it explores dissonance and lacks the traditional sense of harmony and tonality found in tonal music. Therefore, it can be described as generally dissonant.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Recitativo Accompagnato is:
- A.
Solo recitative
- B.
Recitative accompanied by a basso continuo
- C.
Orchestrally accompanied recitative
- D.
A cappella recitative
Correct Answer
C. Orchestrally accompanied recitativeExplanation
Recitativo Accompagnato refers to a type of recitative that is accompanied by an orchestra. Unlike a solo recitative, which is typically accompanied only by a basso continuo (harpsichord and cello), orchestrally accompanied recitative involves the use of a full orchestra. This type of recitative is often used in opera and oratorio to convey dramatic moments or important plot developments. The orchestral accompaniment adds depth and richness to the recitative, enhancing the emotional impact of the text being sung.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Neo-classicism typically refers to:
- A.
Romanticism
- B.
New-Classical style music, containing idiomatic references to the genres and musical forms of the Baroque and Classical periods, but written sometime after those periods
- C.
A programmatic approach to the Classical style
- D.
The Emancipation of Dissonance
Correct Answer
B. New-Classical style music, containing idiomatic references to the genres and musical forms of the Baroque and Classical periods, but written sometime after those periodsExplanation
Neo-classicism typically refers to a style of music that emerged after the Baroque and Classical periods. It is characterized by the use of idiomatic references to the genres and musical forms of those periods. This means that composers in the Neo-classical style would incorporate elements and techniques from the Baroque and Classical periods, but with a modern twist. This style of music can be seen as a revival or continuation of the classical tradition, but with a contemporary perspective.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A nocturne is a fast, jumpy piece that is characteristic of traditional Polish dance and music:
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Nocturne is actually a slow, lyrical piece of music that is typically played at night. It is not fast or jumpy, and it is not characteristic of traditional Polish dance and music. Instead, it is commonly associated with the romantic music era and is often played on the piano.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Formalism can be described as:
- A.
Using strict form in music
- B.
Neo-classicism
- C.
The formal approach to writing music
- D.
The Soviet Union's reference to modern music during the Stalinist era
Correct Answer
D. The Soviet Union's reference to modern music during the Stalinist eraExplanation
Formalism refers to the Soviet Union's reference to modern music during the Stalinist era. This term was used to describe the approach to music composition and performance that was favored by the Soviet Union at that time. It emphasized the use of strict forms and adherence to traditional structures in music, as opposed to more experimental or avant-garde approaches. This reference to formalism in music was part of the Soviet Union's broader cultural policies during that era.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Expressionism has to do with:
- A.
The suggested impression of some subject as portrayed through music and art
- B.
Art and music that concentrates on expressing the innermost feelings of an artist or composer, namely fear and anxiety
- C.
The freedom of expression
- D.
Expressiveness in music
Correct Answer
B. Art and music that concentrates on expressing the innermost feelings of an artist or composer, namely fear and anxietyExplanation
Expressionism in art and music focuses on conveying the deep emotions and innermost feelings of the artist or composer. It is a movement that aims to express intense emotions such as fear and anxiety through various artistic mediums. Expressionist artists and composers strive to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience by portraying their own subjective experiences and perspectives. This artistic approach emphasizes the individual's personal and emotional expression rather than objective representation.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A type of music that relies on a finite number of possibilities that determine the outcome of the music is known as:
- A.
Atonal music
- B.
Algebraic music
- C.
Allegoric music
- D.
Chance or Aleatoric music
Correct Answer
D. Chance or Aleatoric musicExplanation
Chance or Aleatoric music is a type of music that relies on a finite number of possibilities to determine the outcome. It is characterized by the use of random elements or chance procedures, where the composer gives up some control over the final result. This type of music allows for improvisation and unpredictability, as the specific details of the composition are left to chance. It is often associated with experimental and avant-garde styles of music.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Lied is German for:
- A.
Recitative
- B.
Aria
- C.
Art Song
- D.
Dishonesty
Correct Answer
C. Art SongExplanation
The correct answer is "Art Song". In German, the word "Lied" refers to a specific type of song that is typically performed with a solo voice and piano accompaniment. These songs are often lyrical and expressive, and they are an important part of the classical music repertoire. "Recitative" and "Aria" are also types of vocal music, but they are more commonly associated with opera. "Dishonesty" does not have any connection to the German word "Lied".Rate this question:
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- 9.
Cyclicism refers to:
- A.
A kind of musical form, such as ternary form
- B.
A single unifying theme that serves as the main compositional material for a piece of music and undergoes several transformations throughout the span of the music, while always preserving the essence of the theme
- C.
The cycling of various implied and abstract musical ideas
- D.
Music that repeats or cycles
Correct Answer
B. A single unifying theme that serves as the main compositional material for a piece of music and undergoes several transformations throughout the span of the music, while always preserving the essence of the themeExplanation
Cyclicism refers to a single unifying theme that serves as the main compositional material for a piece of music and undergoes several transformations throughout the span of the music, while always preserving the essence of the theme. This means that the theme is repeated and varied throughout the composition, creating a sense of unity and continuity. Cyclicism is a common technique used in classical music, where the theme is often introduced at the beginning and then developed and transformed in different ways throughout the piece.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the name of a style of postmodern music, originating in the early 1960's, that takes a very small musical unit and repeats it over and over to form a composition?
- A.
Aleatory music
- B.
Postmodernism
- C.
Cyclicism
- D.
Minimalism
- E.
Pointillism
Correct Answer
D. MinimalismExplanation
Minimalism is the correct answer because it refers to a style of postmodern music that emerged in the early 1960s. In this style, a small musical unit is repeated continuously to create a composition. Minimalist music often features simple structures, repetitive patterns, and gradual transformations. Notable composers associated with minimalism include Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Terry Riley.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Idée fixe, which literally means "signature-tune", is a distinct unit of music used as a way to represent a character, object, or idea, which returns repeatedly in a Wagnerian music drama:
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Idée fixe is a term coined by French composer Hector Berlioz, not Richard Wagner. It refers to a recurring musical theme that represents a specific character, object, or idea in a composition. While Wagner did use leitmotifs, which are similar to idée fixe, in his music dramas, idée fixe is not specifically associated with Wagnerian music. Therefore, the correct answer is false.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Music in which elements such as pitch, timbre, or dynamics come in a fixed and predetermined order is known as:
- A.
Chance music
- B.
Serial music
- C.
Form
- D.
Minimalism
Correct Answer
B. Serial musicExplanation
Serial music refers to a method of composition in which elements such as pitch, timbre, or dynamics are organized in a fixed and predetermined order. This approach was popularized by composers like Arnold Schoenberg and involves the use of a tone row or series, which is a specific ordering of the twelve pitches of the chromatic scale. The composer then manipulates this series to create musical material throughout the composition. Serial music is characterized by its atonal or dissonant sound and its emphasis on the organization of musical elements based on a predetermined system.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which statement best describes Impressionism:
- A.
A movement of music that sought to differentiate itself from the overly heavy, bombastic, and pretentious nature of German Romantic music
- B.
A form of music that incorporates non-traditional compositional techniques, such as the whole-tone scale and parallel motion, as a means of portraying a particular subject in an evocative, yet indirect sort of way
- C.
A movement in art that sought ways to leave an impression of something through art without stating what that something was directly
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Impressionism is best described as all of the above. It was a movement in music that aimed to differentiate itself from German Romantic music by avoiding heavy and bombastic compositions. It also incorporated non-traditional techniques to portray a subject in an evocative and indirect manner. Additionally, Impressionism was a movement in art that sought to leave an impression without directly stating what was being portrayed.Rate this question:
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- 14.
A compositional technique that features ever-changing melodic and harmonic material in a coherent and unified fashion is called:
- A.
Strophic form
- B.
Lied
- C.
Through-composed form
- D.
Leitmotif
Correct Answer
C. Through-composed formExplanation
Through-composed form is a compositional technique that features ever-changing melodic and harmonic material in a coherent and unified fashion. Unlike strophic form, where the same music is repeated for each verse, through-composed form creates a sense of continuous development by introducing new material throughout the composition. This technique is often used in art songs and musical theater to convey a narrative or emotional progression. Lied refers specifically to German art songs, while leitmotif refers to a recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or situation.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Sprechstimme is defined as:
- A.
A vocal style of music that is half sung and half spoken, and mimics the natural inflection of speech, such as recitative
- B.
A prosaic way of speaking
- C.
Spoken dialogue used in between the sung portions of an opera
- D.
A vocal technique that requires a vocalist to declaim a text more than to sing it; speech-voice
Correct Answer
D. A vocal technique that requires a vocalist to declaim a text more than to sing it; speech-voiceExplanation
Sprechstimme is a vocal technique that combines elements of speaking and singing. It involves declaiming a text rather than fully singing it, creating a style that mimics the natural inflection of speech. This technique is often used in music compositions, particularly in recitative sections of operas, where spoken dialogue is used in between the sung portions. Sprechstimme allows vocalists to convey the text in a more expressive and dramatic way, blurring the boundaries between speech and song.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The simultaneous use of two or more time signatures is known as polymeter:
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Polymeter refers to the use of multiple time signatures simultaneously. This means that different instruments or sections of a musical piece may be playing in different time signatures at the same time. It creates a complex and layered rhythmic texture, adding depth and complexity to the music. Therefore, the given statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A one-movement work for orchestra that gives musical expression to the emotions and events associated with a story, play, political event, or personal experience is known as a(n):
- A.
Overture
- B.
Symphonic poem
- C.
Opera
- D.
Symphony
Correct Answer
B. SympHonic poemExplanation
A symphonic poem is a one-movement work for orchestra that expresses the emotions and events associated with a story, play, political event, or personal experience. Unlike an overture, which serves as an introduction to an opera or play, a symphonic poem is a standalone piece of music. It is different from an opera, which involves singing and a narrative storyline, and a symphony, which is a multi-movement composition. Therefore, the correct answer is symphonic poem.Rate this question:
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- 18.
A genre of music for solo voice and piano accompaniment with high artistic aspirations is called the:
- A.
Recitative
- B.
Aria
- C.
Art Song
- D.
Arioso
Correct Answer
C. Art SongExplanation
An art song is a genre of music that involves a solo voice accompanied by a piano. It is known for its high artistic aspirations, often featuring complex melodies and poetic lyrics. Unlike a recitative, which is more speech-like and used to advance the plot in an opera or oratorio, an art song is a complete musical composition that stands on its own. While an aria and arioso are also vocal forms, they are typically found within larger musical works such as operas and cantatas. Therefore, the term "art song" best fits the description provided.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The statement "music for the sake of music", which is indicative of music without a program or story, could best describe:
- A.
Program music
- B.
Absolute music
- C.
Impressionist music
- D.
Realistic music
Correct Answer
B. Absolute musicExplanation
The term "music for the sake of music" implies that the music is created purely for its own sake, without any specific narrative or program attached to it. This aligns with the concept of absolute music, which refers to instrumental music that is not intended to represent or depict anything outside of itself. Absolute music is composed solely for the enjoyment of the music itself, without any extramusical associations or storytelling elements. Therefore, the statement "music for the sake of music" best describes absolute music.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What were the two emancipations in 20th century music?
- A.
Rhythm and Meter
- B.
Expressionism and Atonality
- C.
Dissonance and Rhythm
- D.
Polytonality and Serialism
Correct Answer
C. Dissonance and RhythmExplanation
In the 20th century, two significant emancipations in music were dissonance and rhythm. Dissonance refers to the use of harsh or unstable sounding combinations of notes, challenging traditional tonal structures. This allowed composers to explore new and unconventional sounds, pushing the boundaries of music. Rhythm, on the other hand, refers to the organization of time in music. The emancipation of rhythm allowed composers to experiment with complex and irregular rhythmic patterns, breaking away from the strict and predictable rhythms of the past. These two emancipations revolutionized music and paved the way for new musical styles and techniques.Rate this question:
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- 21.
An important musical figure of American heritage during the early 1900's flourished as an insurance salesman, but did not succeed as a composer because of his unique way of creating jarring dissonances through the use of polytonality and polymeter in his compositions, while also incorporating traditional American music. What was his name?
- A.
Charles Ives
- B.
Arnold Schoenberg
- C.
Igor Stravinsky
- D.
Aaron Copland
Correct Answer
A. Charles IvesExplanation
Charles Ives is the correct answer because he was an important musical figure in American heritage during the early 1900s. He was known for his unique way of creating jarring dissonances through the use of polytonality and polymeter in his compositions, while also incorporating traditional American music. Despite his success as an insurance salesman, he did not succeed as a composer due to the unconventional nature of his compositions.Rate this question:
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