ABRSM Music Theory Level 1: Tempo Markings Quiz

Accelerando in music means to gradually increase the tempo or speed of the music, not to slow down, keep the same pace, or increase the volume.

Adagio is a term used in music to indicate a slow tempo. It is often used to convey a sense of calmness and serenity in a musical piece.

Allegretto in music refers to a tempo that is fairly quick, but not as fast as allegro.

Allegro in music refers to a quick and cheerful tempo, often used to indicate a fast-paced or lively piece of music.

Andante is a musical term used to describe a medium 'walking' speed, which is neither too fast nor too slow. It is a common tempo marking in music.

Cantabile in music refers to a style of singing or playing that is characterized by smoothness, lyrical phrasing, and often a vocal quality. It aims to produce a singing-like tone and expression.

A crescendo in music indicates a gradual increase in volume or intensity over a period of time.

In music notation, 'da capo, or D.C.' instructs the musician to repeat from the beginning of the piece.

In music notation, 'dal segno, or D.S.' instructs the musician to repeat from the symbol called the 'sign'. This allows for a specific section of music to be played again.

Decrescendo, or decres., is a musical term that indicates a gradual decrease in volume or intensity of the sound. It is the opposite of crescendo which means gradually getting louder.

Diminuendo, or dim, in music notation indicates a gradual decrease in volume, leading to a quieter dynamic level over a period of time.

In this context, 'fine' is often used as a response to indicate the conclusion or termination of something, hence 'the end.'

In musical notation, 'F, forte' indicates that the music should be played loudly. 'P, piano' indicates soft, 'M, mezzo' indicates medium, and 'no dynamic marking' represents playing at a normal volume.

Fortissimo, indicated by FF, is a musical term meaning to play very loudly.

Legato is a musical term that signifies playing or singing smoothly and connected. Staccato, on the other hand, refers to playing with each note sharply separated or detached. Forte indicates playing loudly, and pizzicato is a technique where string instruments are plucked instead of bowed.

The term 'lento' translates to 'slow' in English. It is often used in music to indicate a slow tempo.

In music terminology, 'mezzo' is commonly used to indicate 'half', such as 'mezzo piano' meaning moderately soft.

MF, or mezzo forte, indicates a moderately loud volume level in music notation. It is typically not as loud as 'F' (forte) or as soft as 'MP' (mezzo piano).

MP is used to indicate a dynamic level where the music should be played moderately quiet, or half quiet. It is a common notation used to instruct musicians on how loud or soft they should play a piece of music.

The correct answer is 'quiet' because pianos are often associated with producing soft and gentle sounds, especially when played at a moderate volume. 'Loud', 'soft', and 'melodic' are incorrect as they do not directly describe the sound of a piano in the same way that 'quiet' does.

PP in musical notation stands for pianissimo which means very quiet. It is often used to indicate to the musician to play a passage or piece of music very softly.

The word 'poco' translates to 'a little' in English.

Rallentando or rall is a musical term that indicates a gradual slowing down of tempo.

In music, 'ritardando' indicates a gradual decrease in tempo.

In music, 'ritenuto' indicates a sudden decrease in tempo, where the note or passage should be held back or slowed down.

In music, 'staccato' means to play each note distinctly and separated from the others. The correct answer 'detached' signifies this specific way of playing.

Tempo specifically refers to the speed or pace of a piece of music, often indicated by terms such as 'Allegro' (fast) or 'Lento' (slow). It can also refer to keeping in time with the beat or rhythm of the music.

The correct translation of 'poco' into English is 'a little', as it signifies a small amount or quantity.

In musical notation, '8va' indicates that the music should be played one octave higher than written.