Musical Knowledge Quiz

Tempo refers to the speed or pace at which a musical piece is performed. It determines the overall feel and energy of the music. The tempo can be fast, slow, or somewhere in between, and it is usually indicated by specific Italian terms such as allegro, adagio, or moderato. The beat of a song is closely related to its tempo, as it is the underlying pulse that drives the music forward. Therefore, the correct answer is tempo.

A basic pop song normally has at least one intro, and contains a verse, a bridge, a chorus and an outro. These can be arranged in any way that sounds good and interesting.

Three or more stacked notes are called a chord. In music theory, a chord is a group of three or more different notes played together to create harmony. Chords are an essential element in creating melodies and harmonies in music.

The speed of a song is mostly set by the rhythm. Rhythm refers to the pattern and arrangement of sounds and beats in a musical composition. It determines the pace and tempo of a song, creating a sense of movement and energy. Different rhythms can evoke different emotions and moods, and they play a crucial role in setting the overall speed and feel of a piece of music. While sounds, texture, and instrumentation can also contribute to the overall sonic experience, it is primarily the rhythm that dictates the speed of a song.

The loudness or softness of a sound is determined by the dynamics. Dynamics refers to the variation in volume, intensity, or amplitude of a musical or sound performance. It is the control of the volume levels, from very soft (pianissimo) to very loud (fortissimo), and everything in between. The dynamics of a sound help to convey emotions and add expressiveness to the music or sound.

Sound is the correct answer because it refers to the vibration of air. Sound is produced when an object vibrates, causing the air particles around it to vibrate as well. These vibrations travel through the air in the form of waves, which are then detected by our ears and interpreted as sound. Therefore, sound is the most appropriate term to describe the vibration of air.

The main notes of the music are called melody. Melody refers to the sequence of musical tones that form a recognizable and cohesive musical line. It is the most prominent and memorable part of a piece of music, often carrying the main theme or idea. Melody is created by combining different pitches and rhythms, and it is the element that listeners typically hum or remember after hearing a song.

Pitch refers to how high or low a sound is. It is determined by the frequency of the sound waves, with higher frequencies producing higher pitches and lower frequencies producing lower pitches. Pitch is a subjective perception of sound and can be influenced by factors such as the size and shape of the sound source, as well as the characteristics of the human ear.

Meter refers to the rhythmic structure of a piece of music. It determines the number of beats in a measure and the arrangement of strong and weak beats. The feel of the beat, or the way it is perceived by the listener, is closely tied to the meter. Different meters, such as 4/4 or 3/4, create different rhythmic patterns and therefore different feels. Chords and notes are elements of harmony and melody, while tempo refers to the speed of the music. None of these directly relate to the feel of the beat, making meter the correct answer.

Harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played simultaneously to create a pleasing sound. In a song, the background sounds that support the melody and add depth and richness to the overall sound are called harmony. It involves the use of chords and different vocal or instrumental parts that complement the main melody. Harmonies can vary in complexity and can greatly contribute to the emotional impact and overall quality of a song.