1.
What were the flutes in 10,000 BC made out of?
Correct Answer
B. Bones
Explanation
Music is one of the oldest arts. People probably started to sing as soon as language developed. Hunting tools struck together may have been the first musical instruments. By about 10,000 B.C., people had discovered how to make flutes out of hollow bones. Many ancient peoples, including the Egyptians, Chinese, and Babylonians, used music in court and religious ceremonies. The first written music dates from about 2500 B.C.
2.
What is the difference between first and second violins in an orchestra?
Correct Answer
C. The first violins play higher-pithced parts
Explanation
Violins in an orchestra are divided into first violins and second violins. The first violins play higher-pitched parts of musical compositions than the second violins.
3.
When a melody is repeated throughout a musical piece, what is it called?
Correct Answer
A. Theme
Explanation
A melody repeated throughout a composition is called a theme. Composers often use a part of a melody or theme to develop musical ideas. Such a part is called a motive. The first four notes of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven's fifth symphony form a motive. By repeating and varying these four notes, Beethoven developed a theme that recurs through the entire symphony
4.
What is another term for tone color?
Correct Answer
B. Timbre
Explanation
Tone color, also called timbre, is the quality of a musical sound. Tone colors produced by different musical instruments vary widely. For example, a melody that seems dark and mournful when played on the English horn may sound bright and merry when played on the flute. Composers take advantage of tone color in orchestration (writing or arranging music for a musical group).
5.
Italian musicians had the greatest influence during the time period when composers first used words to indicate tempo. What word indicates a slow tempo?
Correct Answer
B. Adagio
Explanation
For example, the word adagio means slowly, and the word allegro means fast. These Italian words are used because Italian musicians had the greatest influence in Europe during the 1600's and 1700's, when composers first used words to indicate tempo.
6.
Of what origin is the oud instrument?
Correct Answer
B. Arabian
Explanation
The main Arab instruments include flutes; drums; and two plucked stringed instruments, the oud and the qanun. Most Arab songs have instrumental accompaniment.
7.
Which composer is often referred to as "the prince of operetta"?
Correct Answer
A. Victor Herbert
Explanation
Herbert, Victor (1859-1924), an American composer and conductor, is often called "the prince of operetta." One of his most famous operettas, Babes in Toyland (1903), was based on Mother Goose and fairyland characters.
8.
Who created the first succesful rock opera?
Correct Answer
A. The Who
Explanation
The Who ranked with the Rolling Stones among the top British rock bands expressing the dissatisfaction of young people. The quartet featured the songwriting of guitarist Pete Townshend. His song “My Generation” (1965) is a classic rock expression of youthful alienation. Townshend and The Who created the first successful rock opera, the 90-minute Tommy (1969).
9.
What is the type of music that orginated from Trinidad called?
Correct Answer
B. Calypso
Explanation
Calypso, «kuh LIHP soh», is a type of music that originated on the island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean Sea. It is also popular in other Caribbean countries.
10.
The music of which singing group was featured in the musical Mammia Mia?
Correct Answer
A. ABBA
Explanation
The music of ABBA gained a new audience with the international popularity of the musical Mamma Mia! (1999), which featured 22 of the group’s songs.