Music In The Middle Ages & Renaissance
A brief overview of music in the Middle Ages & Renaissance, history and terminology.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The center of musical life in the Middle Ages was
- A.
The church
- B.
The tavern
- C.
The dance hall
Correct Answer
A. The churchExplanation
During the Middle Ages, the church played a central role in the musical life of the time. Religious music was an important part of worship, and the church was the primary patron of musicians and composers. The church also provided a platform for musical education and training, with choirs and music schools being established in monasteries and cathedrals. Additionally, many of the surviving musical manuscripts from this period are religious in nature, further emphasizing the church's influence on musical culture.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the texture for chant in the Middle Ages?
- A.
Monophonic
- B.
Homophonic
- C.
Polyphonic
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. MonophonicExplanation
In the Middle Ages, the texture for chant was monophonic. This means that the chant consisted of a single melodic line without any accompanying harmonies or additional voices. Monophonic texture was common during this time period as it allowed for clear and simple musical expression, often used in religious settings.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Since medieval chant notation had no effective means of indicating pitch duration, how would one determine the length of notes?
- A.
Members of the congregation would follow the lead of priests/monks in church
- B.
The most important words of the chant generally receive the longest duration
- C.
Both of these
- D.
Neither of these
Correct Answer
C. Both of theseExplanation
In medieval chant notation, where pitch duration was not indicated, the length of notes would be determined by both following the lead of priests/monks in church and giving the most important words of the chant the longest duration. This means that members of the congregation would rely on the guidance of priests/monks to determine the timing of the notes, and they would also prioritize giving more time to the significant words in the chant.Rate this question:
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- 4.
One or more long, sustained tones that accompany a melody is called
- A.
A drone
- B.
A chant
- C.
Cantus firmus
- D.
Sacred music
Correct Answer
A. A droneExplanation
A drone refers to one or more long, sustained tones that are played or sung alongside a melody. This technique is commonly used in various genres of music, including traditional folk music, classical music, and even contemporary electronic music. The drone creates a harmonic foundation and adds depth and texture to the overall musical composition, enhancing the melodic line and creating a sense of continuity.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Hildegard of Bingen was
- A.
A nun
- B.
A visionary and mystic
- C.
A composer
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Hildegard of Bingen was a multifaceted individual who was not only a nun but also a visionary and mystic. Additionally, she was known for her musical talents and accomplishments as a composer. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as it encompasses all the mentioned attributes of Hildegard of Bingen.Rate this question:
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- 6.
French nobles, called ----------, composed a large body of secular music during the 12th and 13th centuries.
- A.
Troubadours and trouveres
- B.
Jongleurs
- C.
Leonin and Perotin
- D.
O successores
Correct Answer
A. Troubadours and trouveresExplanation
During the 12th and 13th centuries, French nobles known as troubadours and trouveres were responsible for creating a significant amount of secular music. These individuals were skilled poets and musicians who composed songs and poems in the vernacular language, rather than in Latin. They often performed their works at courtly gatherings and were highly regarded for their artistic talents. Troubadours were primarily found in southern France, while trouveres were more prevalent in the northern regions. Together, they contributed to the development and popularity of secular music during this period.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Between 700 & 900, monks began adding a second melodic line to the previously monophonic chants. The second melodic line paralleled the first at a different pitch. The result was called
- A.
Organum
- B.
Chant
- C.
Homophonic
- D.
Measured rhythm
Correct Answer
A. OrganumExplanation
In the period between 700 and 900, monks started incorporating a second melodic line into their chants, which ran parallel to the first line but at a different pitch. This technique was known as Organum.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The term "measured rhythm" refers to
- A.
Definite time values and clearly defined meter
- B.
The addition of a drone to secular music
- C.
The need for chant accompaniment
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Definite time values and clearly defined meterExplanation
"Measured rhythm" refers to music that has a clear and consistent beat, with each note having a specific duration. It is characterized by definite time values, meaning that the durations of the notes are precisely measured, and clearly defined meter, which refers to the organization of beats into regular patterns. This term is used to describe music that follows a strict rhythmic structure, allowing listeners to easily perceive and follow the beat. The other options, such as the addition of a drone to secular music or the need for chant accompaniment, are not related to the concept of measured rhythm.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The mass ordinary consists of ----- sung prayers, which have consistently inspired composers throughout the centuries.
- A.
5
- B.
8
- C.
4
- D.
3
Correct Answer
A. 5Explanation
The correct answer is 5. The question is asking for the number of sung prayers in the mass ordinary that have consistently inspired composers throughout the centuries. The number 5 is the correct answer because there are five sung prayers in the mass ordinary: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. These prayers have been set to music by numerous composers and have served as a source of inspiration for centuries.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Renaissance in music occurred between
- A.
1450 and 1600
- B.
450 and 1450
- C.
1600 and 1750
- D.
1750 and 1820
Correct Answer
A. 1450 and 1600Explanation
The Renaissance in music occurred between 1450 and 1600. This period marked a significant shift in musical style and composition, with a focus on humanism, individual expression, and the revival of ancient Greek and Roman ideals. During this time, composers such as Josquin des Prez and Giovanni Palestrina emerged, and polyphonic vocal music became popular. The Renaissance also saw advancements in music notation and the development of new musical forms, such as the madrigal and the motet. Overall, the period between 1450 and 1600 was a transformative time for music, characterized by innovation and artistic growth.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In the Renaissance, vocal music was ----------- instrumental music.
- A.
More important than
- B.
Less important than
- C.
Approximately equal in importance to
Correct Answer
A. More important thanExplanation
During the Renaissance, vocal music held a higher level of importance compared to instrumental music. This was due to the emphasis placed on the human voice as a means of expression and communication. Vocal music was often seen as a powerful tool for conveying emotions and telling stories, while instrumental music was primarily used to accompany or enhance the vocal performances. Additionally, vocal music was closely associated with religious and ceremonial contexts, further elevating its significance during this period.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The musical representation of specific poetic images is called
- A.
Word painting
- B.
Word poems
- C.
Poetic imagery
- D.
Musical creativity
Correct Answer
A. Word paintingExplanation
Word painting refers to the musical technique of depicting specific words or phrases in a song through musical elements such as melody, rhythm, dynamics, and harmony. It involves using musical devices to imitate or illustrate the meaning of the lyrics, creating a vivid and expressive musical representation of the poetic images. This technique enhances the emotional impact of the song and helps to convey the intended message or imagery more effectively.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The texture of a typical Renaissance choral piece was
- A.
Polyphonic
- B.
Homophonic
- C.
Monophonic
Correct Answer
A. PolyphonicExplanation
The texture of a typical Renaissance choral piece was polyphonic, meaning that multiple independent melodic lines were sung simultaneously. This was a characteristic feature of Renaissance music, where each voice had its own melodic line and contributed to the overall harmony. The polyphonic texture allowed for intricate and complex harmonies, creating a rich and layered musical experience.Rate this question:
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- 14.
A piece for several solo voices set to a short poem is called
- A.
A madrigal
- B.
A mass
- C.
Word painting
Correct Answer
A. A madrigalExplanation
A piece for several solo voices set to a short poem is called a madrigal. A madrigal is a type of secular vocal music that was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It typically features multiple voices singing different lines of text, often with intricate harmonies and expressive melodies. The text of a madrigal is usually a short poem, and the music is composed to reflect the meaning and emotions of the words. This form of composition allows for individual voices to shine while also creating a cohesive musical whole.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Jan 04, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 19, 2012Quiz Created by
Pianogirl43
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