History Of Music, Instruments And Composers! Trivia Quiz

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  • 1/20 Questions

    The end of the Romantic era has a fixed date.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Music has been a way of communication for the longest time. And as of today, there are different genres that we can enjoy both from the past and the present. As a music lover, how good are you when it comes to the history of music? Test yourself on your knowledge about style, form, instruments, and composers through the ages by taking a walk down history in this amazing quiz.

History Of Music, Instruments And Composers! Trivia Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which term means "one single line of music"?

    • Polyphonic

    • Homophonic

    • Stereophonic

    • Monophonic

    Correct Answer
    A. Monophonic
    Explanation
    Monophonic refers to a single line of music without any accompanying harmony or multiple voices. It is characterized by a single melody played or sung without any other musical elements. In monophonic music, there is only one note played at a time, creating a simple and unison texture. This term is commonly used to describe chants, folk songs, or solo instrumental performances where there is no harmony or accompaniment present.

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  • 3. 

    A single melodic line with other voice parts added for decoration was called:

    • Organum

    • Oregano

    • Origami

    • Organic

    Correct Answer
    A. Organum
    Explanation
    Organum refers to a musical technique from the medieval period where a single melodic line is accompanied by additional voice parts for ornamentation. This technique was commonly used in early polyphonic music to create harmonies and add complexity to the overall musical texture. Oregano, origami, and organic are unrelated terms and do not pertain to the musical context described in the question.

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  • 4. 

    The period of music which followed Medieval is the:

    • Renaissance

    • Modern

    • Classical

    • Romantic

    • Baroque

    Correct Answer
    A. Renaissance
    Explanation
    The Renaissance period of music followed the Medieval period. During this time, there was a renewed interest in the arts, sciences, and humanism. Music during the Renaissance was characterized by polyphony, the use of musical instruments, and the development of new musical forms such as the madrigal and the motet. This period marked a shift from the predominantly religious music of the Medieval era to a more secular and expressive style. The Renaissance period is known for its rich and complex compositions, with composers like Josquin des Prez and Giovanni Palestrina making significant contributions to the musical landscape of the time.

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  • 5. 

    Which instrument became hugely popular in the Classical era?

    • Flute

    • Guitar

    • Piano

    • Viola

    Correct Answer
    A. Piano
    Explanation
    The piano became hugely popular in the Classical era due to its versatility and expressive capabilities. Its ability to play both melody and accompaniment made it a preferred instrument for composers and performers. The piano's dynamic range and ability to sustain notes also allowed for greater expressiveness and emotional depth in compositions. Additionally, the development of the piano's technology during this era, such as the invention of the damper pedal, further enhanced its popularity and musical possibilities.

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  • 6. 

    Medieval music was roughly between which years?

    • 500 BC - 500 AD

    • 500 - 1400 AD

    • 1400 - 1750 AD

    • 1750 - 1830 AD

    Correct Answer
    A. 500 - 1400 AD
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 500 - 1400 AD. This is because the medieval period in music refers to the time between the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD and the beginning of the Renaissance in the 15th century. During this time, various forms of music such as Gregorian chant and secular songs were developed and performed. The period ended with the advent of the Renaissance, which brought significant changes in musical styles and techniques.

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  • 7. 

    In the Romantic era, the focus was on:

    • Mostly form

    • Mostly emotion

    • Form and emotion in equal measures

    Correct Answer
    A. Mostly emotion
    Explanation
    During the Romantic era, there was a shift in focus from strict adherence to form and structure to a greater emphasis on expressing emotions. This period valued individualism, imagination, and intense emotions, which were reflected in various art forms such as literature, music, and visual arts. Artists and composers sought to evoke deep feelings and connect with the audience on an emotional level, often prioritizing the expression of emotions over adhering to traditional forms and structures. Therefore, the correct answer is "Mostly emotion."

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  • 8. 

    The Baroque era began in about 1600 and ended at the time of the death of which composer?

    • Palestrina

    • Bach

    • Beethoven

    • Mozart

    Correct Answer
    A. Bach
    Explanation
    The Baroque era began in about 1600 and ended at the time of the death of Bach. Bach was a prominent composer during the Baroque period, known for his intricate and complex compositions. His death in 1750 marked the end of the Baroque era, making him the correct answer.

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  • 9. 

    What was the typical movement/ tempo arrangement of most three-movement Classical pieces?

    • Fast-Slow-Fast

    • Fast-Fast-Slow

    • Slow-Fast-Slow

    • Slow-Fast-Fast

    Correct Answer
    A. Fast-Slow-Fast
    Explanation
    Most three-movement Classical pieces typically followed a fast-slow-fast movement/tempo arrangement. This means that the first movement would be fast-paced, followed by a slower and more melodic second movement, and then concluding with a fast and lively third movement. This structure allowed for a balanced and dynamic progression of emotions and musical ideas throughout the composition.

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  • 10. 

    During the Renaissance, which interval became widely used in harmony?

    • Augmented third

    • Major third

    • Augmented fourth

    • Minor seventh

    Correct Answer
    A. Major third
    Explanation
    During the Renaissance, the major third became widely used in harmony. This interval, consisting of two whole steps, created a sense of consonance and stability in music. It was frequently used in chord progressions and harmonies, adding a pleasant and harmonious sound to compositions of that time. The major third played a significant role in shaping the harmonic language and musical style of the Renaissance period.

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  • 11. 

    Another word for Gregorian Chant is:

    • Singsong

    • Ostinato

    • Plainsong

    • Cantata

    Correct Answer
    A. Plainsong
    Explanation
    Gregorian chant is a form of plainchant, which is characterized by monophonic melodies sung in unison without instrumental accompaniment. Therefore, the correct answer is "plainsong," as it is another term used to refer to Gregorian chant.

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  • 12. 

    In Medieval music, the intervals most used for harmony were the:

    • Second & seventh

    • Third & sixth

    • Fifth & fourth

    Correct Answer
    A. Fifth & fourth
    Explanation
    In Medieval music, the intervals most used for harmony were the fifth and fourth. These intervals were commonly used in the composition of Gregorian chants and other sacred music during this time period. The fifth and fourth intervals create a sense of stability and consonance in the music, which was highly valued in Medieval music. The use of these intervals helped to create a harmonious and balanced sound in the music, which was important in conveying the religious and spiritual messages of the compositions.

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  • 13. 

    A basso continuo could be played by a harpsichord together with which another instrument?

    • Shawm

    • Organ

    • Flute

    • Cello

    Correct Answer
    A. Cello
    Explanation
    A basso continuo is a musical accompaniment technique that was commonly used during the Baroque period. It typically consists of a bass line played by a keyboard instrument, such as a harpsichord, along with another instrument that provides harmonic support. In this case, the correct answer is cello, as it is a common choice for playing the basso continuo alongside the harpsichord. The cello's rich and deep sound complements the harpsichord's keyboard and helps to create a full and harmonically rich accompaniment.

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  • 14. 

    The Classical music period spans from the death of which composer to the death of which other composers?

    • Bach to Beethoven

    • Bach to Mozart

    • Palestrina to Liszt

    • Mozart to Beethoven

    Correct Answer
    A. Bach to Beethoven
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Bach to Beethoven. The Classical music period refers to the era of music that followed the Baroque period and lasted from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century. During this time, composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven made significant contributions to the development of classical music. Bach's death in 1750 marked the end of the Baroque period and the beginning of the Classical period, which continued until Beethoven's death in 1827.

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  • 15. 

    How long is John Cage's "Silence" piece?

    • 3'44

    • 4'33

    • 4'34

    • 4'44

    Correct Answer
    A. 4'33
    Explanation
    John Cage's "Silence" piece is famously known for being a composition of silence. The correct answer, 4'33, refers to the duration of the piece, which is four minutes and thirty-three seconds. During this time, the performer or performers do not play any traditional musical instruments, but rather remain silent, allowing the ambient sounds of the environment to become the "music" of the piece. It challenges the traditional notion of music and invites the audience to actively listen and reflect on the sounds around them.

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  • 16. 

    Which type of instruments are found in a string quartet?

    • Violin

    • Viola

    • Cello

    • Double bass

    • Guitar

    • Harp

    • Piano

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Violin
    A. Viola
    A. Cello
    Explanation
    A string quartet comprises two violins, a viola and a cello

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  • 17. 

    The Baroque style of a single voice accompanied by an instrumental bass line and chords was called:

    • Parody

    • Monody

    • Polyphony

    • Soliloquy

    Correct Answer
    A. Monody
    Explanation
    The correct answer is monody. Monody is a musical style from the Baroque period where a single voice is accompanied by an instrumental bass line and chords. This style allowed for greater expression and emotional depth in the music, as the focus was on the solo voice and the accompanying instruments provided a harmonic foundation. Parody refers to the imitation or adaptation of a pre-existing musical work, polyphony refers to music with multiple independent voices, and soliloquy refers to a dramatic speech in a play delivered by a single character alone on stage.

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  • 18. 

    Which instrument was invented during the Renaissance period?

    • Viola

    • Violin

    • Viol

    • Violoncello

    Correct Answer
    A. Viol
    Explanation
    The viol was invented during the Renaissance period. It is a string instrument that is played with a bow, similar to a violin. The viol has a unique shape and a fretted fingerboard, distinguishing it from other string instruments of the time. It was commonly used in chamber music and as a solo instrument during the Renaissance.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following devices can be found in Modern music?that apply)

    • Whole tone scales

    • Major and Minor scales

    • Pentatonic scales

    • Quartertone scales

    • Nuts and bolts

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Whole tone scales
    A. Major and Minor scales
    A. Pentatonic scales
    A. Quartertone scales
    A. Nuts and bolts
    Explanation
    John Cage uses nuts and bolts in his prepared pianos!

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  • 20. 

    Which of these musical forms were popular in the Baroque era?

    • The Symphony

    • The Fugue

    • The Opera

    • The Mazurka

    • Plainsong

    • The Sonata

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. The Fugue
    A. The Opera
    A. The Sonata
    Explanation
    The Fugue, The Opera, and The Sonata were popular musical forms in the Baroque era. The Fugue is a complex composition technique characterized by the interweaving of multiple melodic lines. The Opera is a dramatic form of musical theater that combines music, acting, and singing. The Sonata is a musical composition for a solo instrument or a small group of instruments. These forms were prominent during the Baroque era, which lasted from the 17th to the early 18th century.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 11, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 11, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jun 05, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Arundo
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